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THE    DIOCESE    OF    MEATH, 


BY  THE 

REV.   A.    COGAN. 


VOL.     III. 


THE 


DIOCESE   OF  MEATH, 


ANCIENT    AND     MODERN. 


REV.    A.    COGAN, 


DEAN   OF    THE   DIOCESAN   SEMINARY,    NAVAN,    AND    ARCHIVIST   OF   THE    DIOCESE 
OP    MEATH. 


"  Let  us  now  praise  men  of  renown,  and  our  fathers  in  their  generation 

Rich  men  in  virtue All  these  have  gained  glory  in  their  generations,  and 

were  praised  in  their  days  .....  Their  bodies  are  buried  in  peace,  and  their 
name  liveth  unto  generation  and  generation.  Let  the  people  shew  forth  their  wisdom, 
and  the  church  declare  their  praise." — Ecclesiasticus,  c.  xliv. 


VOL.  III. 


DUBLIN: 

JOSEPH  BOLLARD,   13  &  14  DAME-STREET. 

1870. 


Annex 

5 

01*3 


T° 

THE    MOST    KEY.    DR.    NULTY, 

g0*d  gisslwp  of  Path, 

THIS  VOLUME, 

WHICH    ILLUSTRATES   THE   LIVES   AND   MEMORIES 

OF    SOME    OF 

HIS  LORDSHIP'S  PREDECESSORS, 

IS    MOST    REVERENTLY    AND    RESPECTFULLY 
INSCRIBED  AND  DEDICATED 

BY  HIS  LORDSHIP'S  VERY  FAITHFUL  AND 
VERY  HUMBLE   SERVANT, 


PREFACE. 


HAVING  brought  the  Ecclesiastical  History  of  the  Diocese 
of  Meath,  for  the  present,  to  a  conclusion,  the  reader  may 
expect,  perhaps,  a  few  words  from  the  Author,  more 
antiquo,  by  way  of  Preface.  Imprimis,  I  am  far  from 
presuming  to  insinuate  that  I  have  exhausted  this  fertile 
subject,  or  that  I  have  produced  anything  approaching  to 
perfection.  To  accomplish  such  an  undertaking  would 
require  more  extensive  research,  much  additional  space, 
and  years  of  incessant  preparatory  labor.  However,  I  am 
conscious  that  I  have  spared  no  pains  to  gather  together 
all  the  gems  of  our  Diocesan  history  within  my 
reach,  and  to  arrange  these  facts  in  such  an  order  that 
should  an  Annalist  arise  on  some  future  day,  endowed 
with  eloquence,  and  possessed  of  great  ecclesiastical 
learning,  he  will  have  comparatively  little  trouble  in 
supplying  my  deficiencies,  by  compiling  a  work  worthy 
of  the  ancient  Diocese  of  Meath,  and  commensurate  with 
its  prescriptive  fame. 

In  Vol.  I.,  I  described  the  origin  of  the  eight  episcopal 
Sees  of  Meath,  and  the  succession  of  their  prelates,  down 
to  the  twelfth  century,  when  all  these  dioceses  became 
united  together,  and  were  formed  into  the  present  Diocese 


viii  PEEFACE. 

of  Meath.  I  gave  short  biographies,  likewise,  of  the 
Bishops  of  Meath,  from  the  twelfth  century  to  the  early 
days  of  Elizabeth,  and  reviewed  the  history  of  the  Reli- 
gious Foundations  of  Meath,  both  before  and  after  the 
Anglo-Norman  invasion  to  the  time  of  their  suppression 
and  confiscation  by  Henry  VIII. 

Vol.  II.  consists  of  two  parts,  viz.,  the  continuation  of 
the  Lives  of  the  Bishops  of  Meath,  from  the  time  of 
Elizabeth  to  the  year  1790 ;  and  the  history  of  every 
parish,  with  the  succession  of  Pastors,  from  the  year  1690 
to  the  present  day.  To  qualify  myself  for  this  latter 
branch  of  my  undertaking,  in  order  to  execute  it  accu- 
rately and  satisfactorily,  I  felt  necessitated  to  inspect 
every  registry,  every  old  chalice,  every  holy  well ;  to  visit 
every  churchyard,  stone  cross,  mountain  altar,  ecclesias- 
tical hiding-place  in  the  penal  times,  every  monument 
consecrated  to  memory  by  religious  association ;  to  collect 
every  authentic  tradition,  and  decipher  inscribed  tombs 
over  Priests,  in  every  parish  throughout  the  Diocese — from 
Birr  to  the  County  Cavan,  from  the  Shannon  to  the  sea. 

This  was  an  immense  labor,  no  doubt,  as  our  Diocese  is 
so  extensive,  and  the  arranging  of  all  these  collected  facts 
.in  shape  and  form  scarcely  less  so ;  but  I  was  sustained 
throughout,  even  in  the  darkest  and  most  desponding 
hour,  by  the  consciousness  that  I  had  voluntarily  under- 
taken a  great  and  a  holy  work,  both  in  a  national  and  a 
religious  sense;  that  I  was  rescuing  from  oblivion  and 
neglect  the  memorials  of  our  ancient  Church  ;  that  I  was 
doing  my  part  to  preserve  from  ungrateful  forgetfulness 
the  martyrs  and  confessors,  to  whose  fidelity  in  the  hour 


PREFACE.  IX 

of  trial  we  are,  under  God,  indebted  for  the  very  existence 
and  preservation  of  the  Catholic  faith  amongst  us  to-day. 
Difficulties,  of  course,  often  arose  to  obstruct  me,  and 
obstacles  interposed,  to  which  it  is  needless  to  make 
reference  now.  Moreover,  as  no  Diocese  in  Ireland  has 
had  its  history  regularly  compiled,  I,  therefore,  had  no 
chart  to  guide  or  direct  me,  and,  hence,  I  was  obliged  to 
invent  my  own  model,  if  I  may  so  speak,  and  proceed 
with  my  work  according  as  my  knowledge  was  being 
augmented.  It  is,  therefore,  a  matter  of  laudable  pride 
and  congratulation,  that  the  Diocese  of  Meath  has  been 
the  very  first  to  give  an  example  to  the  other  Dioceses  of 
Ireland  of  going  and  doing  likewise. 

As  to  the  present  Volume,  let  the  reader  not  be  sur- 
prised when  I  assure  him  that  it  has  cost  me  ten  years 
of  the  best  part  of  my  life  to  collect  the  various  letters 
embodied  in  the  illustration  of  the  Life  of  Dr.  Plunket, 
and  those  others  catalogued  at  the  end  of  this  Work, 
which,  if  printed  at  large,  would  constitute  a  large  quarto 
volume.  Many  of  these  papers  and  letters  are  most  im- 
portant, as  they  throw  great  light  on  the  various  contro- 
versies and  subjects  of  their  day ;  but  whether  they  are 
destined  to  perish,  or  to  see  the  light  of  publication,  must 
necessarily  depend  on  the  public  spirit,  and  love  of  Irish 
ecclesiastical  literature,  which  animate  the  clergy  and  laity 
of  the  Diocese  of  Meath. 

One  word,  now,  as  to  similar  publications  in  other 
Dioceses  of  Ireland.  I  am  well  aware  that  there  are 
many  learned  Priests  who  would  be  anxious  to  do  some- 
thing for  their  own  localities,  in  the  literary  line,  only 

A 


X  PREFACE. 

that  they  are  deterred,  owing  to  the  labor  of  preparation, 
the  cost  of  publication,  the  precariousness  of  sale  to  com- 
pensate them,  the  absence  of  guarantee  for  reward,  and 
the  apprehension  that  some  of  their  ecclesiastical  superiors 
set  little  or  no  value  on  such  sacrifices  and  undertakings. 
I  hope,  indeed,  that  these  mournful  anticipations  are 
groundless,  otherwise  the  complete  history  of  the  Irish 
Church  must,  for  years  to  come,  remain  a  blank.  It  can 
hardly  be  expected  that  any  Priest  will  deny  himself  legi- 
timate recreation,  bury  himself  for  days  and  nights  in  the 
solitude  of  his  room,  wade  through  tomes — very  often 
dry  and  uninteresting,  without  speaking  of  wearisome 
explorations  of  churchyards,  tombs,  registries,  records,  and 
the  like,  unless,  at  the  termination  of  his  labors,  some 
recognition  of  such  valuable  services  be  expected.  I  take 
the  liberty,  now,  of  making  a  suggestion,  which,  if  adopted, 
is  calculated,  I  firmly  believe,  to  obviate  in  a  great  measure 
this  difficulty,  and  to  accelerate  the  complete  publication 
-of  the  ecclesiastical  annals,  antiquities,  and  traditions  of 
our  National  Church. 

If  every  Prelate  in  Ireland  called  on  the  Parish  Priest 
or  Curate  of  each  parish,  to  prepare  carefully  a  history  of 
his  parish  for  conference,  then  appoint  an  archivist  to 
collect  and  preserve  these  records,  and  subsequently  take 
the  opinion  of  the  clergy  in  the  selection  of  a  competent 
historiographer,  in  order  to  impart  life,  shape,  and  form 
to  these  parochial  collections,  I  have  no  doubt,  a  volume 
of  interesting  materials  would  be  forthcoming,  which 
would  reflect  the  greatest  honor  and  gloiy  on  the  piety 
and  fidelity  of  our  ancestors,  as  well  as  on  our  predecessors 


PREFACE.  XI 

in  the  ministry.  If  some  such  means  be  not  adopted,  ifc 
appears  hopeless  to  expect  a  complete  ecclesiastical  history 
of  Ireland  in  our  day ;  and  if  this  pious  and  praiseworthy 
duty  be  much  longer  deferred,  a  time  will  certainly  soon 
arrive  when  it  will  be  too  late.  The  wholesale  clearances, 
consolidation  of  farms,  forced  emigrations,  and  the  impor- 
tation of  Anglican  notions  having  a  tendency  to  under- 
value, to  deride,  and  scoff  everything  Irish  as  old-fashioned, 
will  have  done  their  work ;  and,  then,  a  terrible  responsi- 
bility to  God  and  their  country  will  have  devolved  on 
those  who  could,  in  times  propitious,  with  little  trouble, 
have  preserved  the  memory  of  those  really  great  men 
the  true  patriots,  and  benefactors  of  their  countrymen, 
who  were  faithful  and  true  in  their  generation,  and  whose 
names  in  the  Book  of  Life  are  identified  with  the  suf- 
ferings, the  sacrifices,  the  glories,  and  the  triumph  of 
Catholic  Ireland. 

As  to  a  Diocesan  Map,  copious  and  satisfactory,  em- 
bracing the  sites  of  the  old  monasteries,  churches,  &c.,  I 
have  made  every  arrangement,  which  I  hope  to  see  suc- 
cessfully completed  soon  after  the  publication  of  this 
Volume.  It  was  my  wish  and  intention,  from  the  begin- 
ning, to  have  the  Map  accompanying  this  Volume,  but 
illness  and  other  circumstances  over  which  I  have  had  no 
control,  have  interposed  to  postpone  it. 

I  beg,  now,  to  return  my  sincere  thanks  to  Rev.  Father 
Hogan.  of  Clongowes  College,  and  Rev.  Dr.  McCarthy,  of 
Maynooth,  for  having  placed  many  valuable  papers  at  my 
disposal;  I  cannot  pass  by,  on  this  occasion,  my  many 
obligations  to  the  Very  Rev.  Mathew  M'Alroy,  P.P.  and 


Xii  PEEFACE. 

V.G.,  Tullamore,  for  the  vast  mass  of  letters  which  he,  in 
the  most  friendly  manner,  forwarded  to  me ;  nor  can  I 
omit  my  deep  obligations  to  the  Most  Rev.  Dr.  Nulty, 
Lord  Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  for  the  cordial  interest  he  has 
manifested,  throughout,  for  the  success  of  the  "  Diocese  of 
Meath,  Ancient  and  Modern."  It  is  cheering  to  have  to 
record,  that  even  amidst  his  multitudinous  duties  in  the 
General  Council  of  the  Vatican,  his  Lordship,  true  to  his 
often-expressed  wish  for  the  successful  termination  of  the 
Author's  antiquarian  labors,  has  addressed  me  in  the  fol- 
lowing characteristic  letter,  which  may  be  said  to  put  its 
seal  on  all  that  I  have  written  for  the  honor  and  glory  of 
the  Diocese  of  Meath : — 

"Kome,  May  20th,  1870.  - 

"  MY  DEAR  DEAN, 

"  I  heartily  congratulate  you  on  the  success  with  which 
you  have  now  completed  the  Third  Volume  of  your  invaluable 
Work.  Whilst  reading  it  through,  I  really  could  not  help 
feeling  proud  of  the  learning,  the  erudition,  and  splendid 
abilities  of  the  Historian,  as  well  as  of  the  ancient  diocesan 
glories  which  he  so  graphically  describes.  Beyond  all  doubt, 
the  Work  confers  a  high  honor,  as  well  as  immense  advantage, 
on  the  Diocese  of  Meath.  I  am,  therefore,  greatly  mistaken  if 
the  People,  as  well  as  the  Priests,  do  not  now,  at  length,  appre- 
ciate your  labors  as  they  deserve.  I  cordially  and  earnestly 
recommend  it  to  all.  I  cannot  see  how  anyone  who  considers 
it  an  advantage  or  an  honor  to  belong  to  the  Diocese  of  Meath, 
can  neglect  providing  himself  with  a  copy  of  the  beautiful  and 


PREFACE.  Xlll 

admirable  History  which  you  have  written  of  it.  The  per- 
mission you  ask,  of  having  my  name  mentioned  in  connexion 
with  the  Work,  is  the  highest  honor  you  could  confer  on  me. 

"  I  remain,  my  dear  Dean, 

"  Ever  respectfully  yours, 

"*•  THOMAS  NULTY. 

•"  To  the  Very  Rev.  Dean  Cogan, 
The  Seminary,  Navan." 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

PREFACE.— Letter  of  the  Most  Eev.  Dr.  Nulty,  Lord  Bishop  of 

Meath  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...          vii 


CHAPTER  I. 

Dr.  Plunket,  continued. — Letter   to   Father  Betagh. — Letter  to 
same. — Letter  to  Rev.  Thomas  Adrien 


CHAPTER   II. 

Consecration  of  Dr.  Plunket. — Departure  for  Ireland. — PaulJones, 
the  American   Privateer. — Letters   from   dear  and  valued 


friends 


CHAPTER  III. 


Appointment  of  a  Parish  Priest. — Letter  from  Dr.  James  Butler, 
Archbishop  of  Cashel. — Letter  from  Dr.  MacKiernan,  Presi- 
dent of  the  Irish  College  of  Doway. — Letter  from  Dr.  Butler, 
on  the  order  of  Visitation  ...  ...  ...  ...  19 


CHAPTER   IV. 

Visitation  Remarks — Kilskyre,  Oldcastle,  Killiagh,  Castlepollard, 
Mayne,  Fore,  Castletown-Delvin,  Killallon,  Athboy,  Turin, 
Multifarnam,  Dysart,  Churchtown,  Tubber,  Kilbride,  and 
Horseleap  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  25 

CHAPTER  V. 

Letters  from  the  President  of  the  Irish  College,  Paris — from  the 
Archbishop  of  Cashel — from  the  President  of  the  College  of 
Doway. — Characteristic  Letter  of  Dr.  Plunket,  menacing  a 
Priest  with  suspension  ...  ...  ...  ...  45 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER   VI.  PAGE 

Induction  into  Navan. — Letters  from  Dr.  B\itler — from  Dr.  Flood 
— from  Dr.  Marky — from  Dr.  MacKieman—  from  same — 
from  Dr.  Moylan,  Bishop  of  Kerry  ...  ...  ...  53 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Letters  from  Dr.  Butler. — Letter  of  Dr.  Plunket  to  tlie  Rev. 
Father  Betagh. — Letter  of  Dr.  Egan,  Bishop  of  Wftterfordv — 
Letters  from  old  collegiate  friends.— Letter  from  Dr.  Butler  70 

CHAPTER   VIIL 

Letters  from  the  Archbishop  of  Cash  el — from  the  Protestant 
Bishop  of  Meath — from  Dr.  Flood — from  Dr.  Kearney. — 
Resignation  of  the  Pastor  of  Ratoath. — Letter  from  the  Earl 
of  Traquair- — from  the  Hon.  and  Rev,  Jenico  Preston  ...  83 


CHAPTER   IX. 

Letters  from  Dr.  MacKieman — from  Dr.  Flood — Dr.  Plunket — 
from  Meath  Students  in  Doway — from  «the  Pastor  of  Frank- 
ford— from  Dr.  Butler  ...  101 


CHAPTER   X 

Letters  from  Dr.  Butler — from  the  Primate — from  Dr.  Plunket  ..         110 

CHAPTER   XI. 

Letters  from  Dr.  Kearney,  President  of  the  Irish  College  of  Paris 
• — from  Dr.  Butler — from  Father  Betagh. — Decree  of  the 
Sacred  Congregation,  regarding  the  right  of  the  Dominicans 
of  Mullingar  to  quest. — Letter  of  Dr.  Plunket  to  Rev.  Lau- 
rence Fitzgerald,  O.P.,  P.P.,  Mullingar.— Letter  of  Dr.  Butler  117 

CHAPTER   XII. 
Letters  from  Dr.  Kearney — from  Dr.  Butler   ...  ...  ...         124 

CHAPTER   XIII. 

Letters  from  Dr.  Butler — from  Dr.  Flood,  Paris. — Circular  to  the 

Priests  of  Meath  ...  ...  129 


.CONTENTS.  XV11 


•CHAPTER   XIV.  PAGB 

Letter  of  Dr.  Plunket  to  Rev.  Valentine  Bodkin. — The  Report  of 
the  Diocese  of  Meath  forwarded  to  Eome. — Letters  from  Rev. 
Valentine  Bodkin— from  Dr.  Butler — from  Dr.  Walsh  ...  134 


CHAPTER   XV. 

The  Rev.  Patrick  Smith.— Letters  of  the  Earl  of  Bective  to  Dr. 
Plunket. — Appeal  of  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  to  the  Primate — his 
suspension. — Dr.  Troy  to  Rev.  Mr.  Smith. — Dr.  Troy  to 
Dr.  Plunket. — Rev.  Valentine  Bodkin  to  Dr.  Plunket. — 
Dr.  Plunket  to  Father  Betagh. — Letters  from  Father  Con- 
nolly, Superior  of  St.  Clement's,  Rome. — Dr.  Plunket  to 
Rev.  Mr.  Smith. — Smith's  Retractation  ...  ...  147 


CHAPTER   XVI. 

Dr.  Butler,  Archbishop  of  Cashel. — Letters  to  Dr.  Plunket. — 
Letters  of  Rev.  Edmund  Cormack,  announcing  the  illness 
and  death  of  Dr.  Butler.— Epitaph  ...  ...  ...  179 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

Letter  of  Lord  Fingall  to  Dr.  Plunket— of  Dr.  Troy's  Secretary— 
of  Dr.  Walsh,  of  Paris — from  some  Meath  Studentst  in 
Paris. — Superannuation  of  the  Pastor  of  Duleek. — Letters 
from  Dr.  Walsh — from  Dr.  Kearney. — Curious  Letter  from  a 
Parson,  with  Dr.  Plunket's  Reply  ...  ...  ..  189 


CHAPTER   XVIII. 

Letter  of  Dr.  Kearney,  describing  the  French  Revolution.— Reso- 
lutions of  the  Ulster  Bishops. — Letter  from  Mr.  Magawly,  of 
Temora  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  196 


CHAPTER  XIX. 
Letters  from  Dr.  Troy  and  from  Lord  Fingall  ...  ...         199 

CHAPTER  XX. 

Letters  from  Father  Connolly,  Prior  of  St.  Clement's,  Rome — from 

the  Hon.  and  Rev.  Jenico  Preston          ...  ...  ...        204 


xviii  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER   XXI.  PAGE 

Letter  from  Dr.  Troy — from  the  Dominican  Fathers,  Denmark- 
street,  Dublin. — Keply  of  Dr.  Plunket  to  a  Petition  from 
Mullingar. — Letter  from  a  Mr.  Kennedy  ...  ...  210 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

Letters  from  the  Roman  Agent. — Address  from  the  Catholics  of 
Kells. — Letter  of  Dr.  Plunket  to  Lord  Bective.— Extract  of 
a  letter  from  an  inhabitant  of  Kells  to  a  friend  in  Dublin. — 
Letters  from  the  President  of  Maynooth  College — from  the 
Primate  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  218 


CHAPTER   XXIII. 

Origin  of  the  Veto. — Resolutions  of  the  Ten  Bishops. — Letter  from 

the  President  of  Maynooth       ...  ...  ...  ...        229 

CHAPTER   XXIV. 

Letters  from  the  Roman  Agent — from  a  Lady— from  the  Primate. — 

Lord  Castlereagh's  queries. — Reply  of  Dr.  Plunket  ...        233 

CHAPTER   XXV. 

Letter  from  the  Roman  Agent — from  Dr.  Troy— from  a  Heath 

Student  at  Lisbon. — Letter  to  Lord  Conyngham,  of  Slane  ...        241 

CHAPTER   XXVI. 

Dr.  Plunket 's  Circular  to  the  Clergy  of  Meath. — Fraternal  Letter 

to  an  intemperate  Pastor  ...  ...  ...  ...         246 

CHAPTER   XXVII. 
Visitations  of  1791,  '92, '93, '94         ...  ...  ...  ...        249 

CHAPTER   XXVIII. 
Visitation  of  1 795  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...        267 

CHAPTER   XXIX. 
Visitation  of  1796  ...  ..  ...  ...  ...        275 


CONTENTS. 


XIX 


Visitation  of  1797 


CHAPTER   XXX. 


PAGK 

282- 


Visitation  of  1798 


CHAPTER   XXXI. 


293 


Visitation  of  1799 


CHAPTER   XXXII. 


301 


Visitation  of  1800 


CHAPTER   XXXIII. 


308 


Visitation  of  1801 


CHAPTER   XXXIV. 


Visitation  of  1 802 


CHAPTER   XXXV. 


323 


Visitation  of  1803 


CHAPTER    XXXVI. 


331 


Visitation  of  1805 


CHAPTER   XXXVII. 


336 


CHAPTER   XXXVIII. 

Letter  of  Dr.  Plunket  to  the  Vicar-General  of  Meath. — Letter  from 
Dr.  Dunne,  President  of  Maynooth  College. — Letters  from 
the  Koman  Agent. — Letter  of  Dr.  Plunket  to  Lord  Ludlow 


CHAPTER   XXXIX. 

Visitation  of  1806. — Curious  Letter  of  Dr.  O'Beirne,  Protestant 
Bishop  of  Meath,  to  Dr.  Phmket — Reply  of  Dr.  Plunket. — 
Letter  from  the  Roman  Agent. — Letter  of  Dr.  Plunket  to 
Rev.  Mr.  Kearney,  P.P.  of  Frankford,  King's  County  ...  349 


XX  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER   XL.  PAGE 

Visitation  of  1807. — Letter  from  the  Primate — from  the  Roman 
Agent — from  Maria  Edgeworth,  the  Authoress — from  Dr. 
Moylan,  Bishop  of  Cork  ...  ...  ...  ...  360 

CHAPTER   XLI. 

Visitation  of  1808. — Letter  from  the  Primate — from  J.  Murray, 
Esq.,  M.D.  — from  the  Primate. — Extract  of  a  Letter  from 
Dr.  Troy,  Archbishop  of  Dublin. — Dr.  Plunket's  Reply  to  an 
Address  from  Kilkenny  ...  ...  ...  ...  370 

CHAPTER   XLIL 
Visitation  of  1809.— Letters  from  Dr.  Troy     ...  ...  ...        378 

CHAPTER   XLIII. 
Visitation  of  1810.— Letter  from  a  Lady          ...  ...  ...        .'385 

CHAPTER   XLIV. 

Visitation  of  1811.—  Letter  from  Dr.  Magennis,  Vice-President  of 

the  College  of  Maynooth  ...  ...  ...  ...         39') 

CHAPTER   XLV. 

Visitation  of  1812. — Letter  of  Dr.  Peter  Kenney,  Vice-President 

of  the  College  of  Maynooth      ...  ...  ...  ...        394 

CHAPTER   XLVI. 

Visitation  of  1813.— Reply  of  Dr.  Plunket  to  Dr.  Kenney          ...         400 

CHAPTER   XLVII. 

Visitation  of  1814. — Letter  from  the  celebrated  Jesuit,  Dr.  Peter 

Kenney          ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...         404 

CHAPTER   XLVIII. 

Visitation  of  1815. — Letter  of  Dr.  Connolly,  Bishop  of  New  York. 

— Letter  of  Dr.  Montague,  Vice-President  of  Maynooth    ...         408 


CONTENTS.  XXI 


CHAPTER   XLIX.  PAGB 

Visitation  of  1816. — Letter  of  Dr.  Murphy,  Bishop  of  Cork,  and 
Dr.  Murray,  Coadjutor  of  Dublin,  to  the  Primate. — Letter 
of  the  Primate  to  Dr.  Plunket  ...  ...  ...  413 

CHAPTER   L. 

Visitation  of  1817. — Letter  from  the  Superioress  of  Rahin  Convent         41 

CHAPTER    LI. 
Visitation  of  1818  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...         422 

CHAPTER   LII. 
Visitation  of  1819. — Letters  of  Dr.  Curtis,  Archbishop  of  Armagh        425 

CHAPTER   LIII. 

Visitation  of  1820. — Letters  from  Dr.  Curtis,  Archbishop  of 
Armagh. — Letter  from  Lord  Bective. — Letter  of  Dr.  Plunket 
to  the  Provincial  of  the  Dominicans. — Letter  from  Lord 
Killeen  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  430 

CHAPTER   LIV. 

Letter  from  the  Most  Rev.  Dr.  Curtis — from  the  Superioress  of 

the  Convent  of  Rahin,  King's  County    ...  ...  ...         438 

CHAPTER   LV. 

Visitation  of  1822. — Letter  from  the  Superioress  of  the  Convent  of 
Rahirj. — From  Miss  O'Brien,  of  Rahin  Lodge. — From  a 
Novice  in  Warrenmount  ...  ...  ...  ...  440 

CHAPTER    LVI. 

Letters  from  the  Most  Rev.  Dr.  Curtis — from  Gerald  Dease,  Esq., 
Turbotstown — from  the  Rev.  Bernard  O'Reilly — from  Very 
Rev.  James  O'Rafferty,  P.P.  of  Tullamore  ...  ...  446 

CHAPTER   LVII. 

Letters  from  Sister  Mary  Clare  O'Brien,  Rahin  Convent — from 
Lord  Killeen — from  the  Most  Rev.  Dr.  Curtis — from  the 
Eev.  Hugh  O'Reilly— from  the  Rev.  Robert  St.  Leger,  S.J.  450 


XX  ii  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  LVIII.  PAGB 

Election  of  Dr.  Logan  to  be  Coadjutor-Bishop  of  Meath  ...         459 

CHAPTER  LIX. 

Letter  from  Rev.  Timothy  Flynn — from  Rev.  Robert  St.  Leger — 

from  Sir  Marcus  Somerville. — Death  of  Dr.  Plunket          ...        4(53 

CHAPTER   LX. 
Dr.  Logan  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...        468 

CHAPTER   LXI. 
Dr.  Cantwell.— Visitations  of  1832-'33-'34,  and  '35       ...  ...         470 

CHAPTER   LXII. 

Visitations   of  1836,   '37,    and  '38. — Pilgrimage  to   Borne,   and 

Visitation  of  1839       ...  ...  ...  ...  ...        475 

CHAPTER  LXIII. 
Visitations  of  1840-'41-'42-'43,  and  '44  ...  ...  ...         482 

CHAPTER   LXIV. 

Visitations  of  1845-'46-'47-'48-'49,  and  '50       ...  ...  ...         484 

CHAPTER   LXV. 

Visitations  of  1851 -'52-'53-'54,  and '55  ...  ...  ...         486 

CHAPTER   LXVI. 
Visitations  of  1856-'57-'58-'59-'60,  and '61       ...  ...  ...         493 

CHAPTER   LXVII. 

The  Repeal  Year,  1843. — Meeting  of  Tara. — Reminiscences        ...         f)00 

CHAPTER   LXVIII. 

The  Agitation  for  Tenant- Right. — Banquet  to  Frederick  Lucas 
and  the  other  Independent  Members  of  Parliament. — Dr. 
Cantwell  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  513 

CHAPTER   LXIX. 

Great  Meeting  in  Xavan,  to  express  sympathy  with  the  Holy 
Father. — Speech  of  Dr.  Cantwell. — Address  of  the  Clergy 
and  Laity  of  Meath  to  the  Pope  ...  ...  ...  519 


CONTENTS.  XX1U 


CHAPTER   LXX.  PAOB 

Death    of    Dr.    Cantwell. — Month's    memory. — Sermon    of    Dr. 

M'Hale,  Archbishop  of  Tuam. — The  Anniversary  ...         526 

CHAPTER   LXXI. 
Dr.  Nulty  537 

CHAPTER   LXXII. 
Bishops  from  the  Diocese  of  Meath  ...  ...  ...        538 

CHAPTER   LXXIII. 
Abbeys  of  Eastmeath. — Continued  from  Vol.  I.  ...  ...        547 

CHAPTER   LXXIV. 
Abbeys  of  Westmeath          ...  ...  ...  ...  ...         550 

CHAPTER   LXXV. 

Abbeys  of  the  King's  County  in  the  Diocese  of  Meath  ...        603 

CHAPTER   LXXVI. 
Poets  and  Writers  of  the  Diocese  of  Meath     ...  ...  ...        628 

CHAPTER   LXXVII. 

The  Convents  of  the  Diocese  of  Meath  ...  ...         ...         657 

CHAPTER   LXXVIII. 
Deceased  Priests    ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...         (565 

CHAPTER   LXXIX. 
The  Succession  of  the  Protestant  Bishops  of  Meath        ...  ...         665 

CHAPTER    LXXX. 

Catalogue  of  Papers  and  Letters  in  the  Archives  of  the  Diocese  of 

Meath  ...         669 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  HEATH, 


CHAPTER  I. 

1.  DR.  PLUNKET,  CONTINUED — LETTER  TO  FATHER  BE- 
TAGH.— 2.  LETTER  TO  SAME. — 3.  LETTER  TO  THOMAS 
ADRIEN. 

1.  Dr.  Plunket,  continued. 

PATRICK  JOSEPH  PLUNKET,  as  we  have  stated,*  was  born 
at  Kells,  County  Meath,  on  Christmas-Eve,  1738,  received 
his  rudimental  education,  under  his  venerable  uncle,  the 
parish  priest  of  Kells,  and,  subsequently,  at  a  school  in 
Dublin.  At  the  age  of  fourteen,  he  was  articled  to  a  mer- 
chant, in  Pill-lane,  Dublin,  and  sent  to  France,  as  if  on  his 
master's  business,  but  in  reality  to  evade  the  penal  statute 
against  Catholic  education,  and  thus  to  graduate  for  the 
ecclesiastical  state  on  the  continent.  He  arrived  in  Paris, 
in  1752,  accompanied  by  satisfactory  testimonials,  and  ob- 
tained a  place  in  the  celebrated  College  of  Trent-trois. 
Years  passed  by,  and,  at  length,  this  holy  youth,  who  had 
distinguished  himself  in  every  class  of  philosophy,  theo- 
logy, and  the  Sacred  Scriptures,  had  all  his  aspirations 
consummated,  by  being  ordained  a  priest,  on  the  30th  of 
September,  1764.  We  next  find  him  taking  the  degree  of 
Doctor  of  Divinity,  after  which  his  learning  and  unobtru- 
sive piety  procured  for  him  the  office  of  Chief  Almoner  to 
one  of  the  first  families  in  France,  an  Associate  of  Navarre, 
a  professor,  and  one  of  the  four  principal  superiors,  in  the 
Irish  College  of  the  Lombards.  Allusion  has  been  already 
made  to  the  venerable  Father  Betagh,f  the  early  com- 


*  Diocese  of  Meath,  vol.  L,  p.  234,  &c.  ;  vol.  ii.,  pp.  17t' — 227. 
f  Diocese  of  Meath,  vol.  ii.,  p.  179. 

B 


2  THE   BISHOPS   OF  HEATH — DR.   PLTJNKET. 

panion  of  Dr.  Plunket,  and  to  Thomas  Lewis  O'Beirne,* 
the  future  apostate  and  Protestant  Bishop  of  Meath.  In 
a  letter,  dated  Paris,  June  the  6th,  1768,  Dr.  Plunket  thus 
"writes  to  Father  Betagh  : — 

"  MY  DEAR  FRIEND, 

"The  bearer,  Mr.  O'Beirne,  is  a  young  gentleman  of 
this  house,  who  returns  to  Ireland  to  recover  his  health,  by 
breathing  the  native  air  for  some  time.  His  promising  parts 
and  amiable  qualities  have  made  him  dear  to  all  the  members 
of  the  society  in  which  he  lived,  and  particularly  to  me.  I  love 
and  esteem  him  exceedingly.  Every  civility  shown  him  I  shall 
acknowledge  as  conferred  upon  myself.  As  I  am  sure  he  would 
be  glad  to  be  acquainted  with  Mr.  Austin,f  I  hope  you  will 
procure  him  that  happiness,  by  introducing  him.  Be  so  kind 
as  to  assure  that  excellent  man  that  I  love  and  revere  him.  I 
thank  him  most  sincerely  for  his  kind  remembrance  of  me,  in 
his  letters  to  these  quarters.  Mr.  O'Beirne  will  deliver  to  you 
Desbillon's  Fables  ;  as  for  the  Sermons  of  Mongiu,  I  have  not  as 
yet  had  the  good  luck  to  find  them,  although  I  had  three  or  four 
persons  on  the  hunt  for  that  purpose.  So  soon  as  I  shall  dis- 
cover them  they  shall  be  secured  for  you. 

"  I  thank  you  for  your  kind  favours,  annexed  to  my  brother's. 
He  is  full  of  gratitude,  and  so  am  I,  for  your  kindnesses  and 
civilities  to  him.  Your  political  news  was  and  always  will  be 
very  acceptable.  You  must  not  expect  mighty  matters  from 
me  in  that  way  ;  as  I  am  one  of  the  last  in  Paris  to  hear  of  public 
and  state  affairs,  my  account  of  them  would  be  too  stale  to  be 
sent  to  you.  However,  when  greater  leisure  than  the  license 
can  allow  me  will  permit,  I  hope  to  enlarge  my  sphere  of  politics, 
and  be  able  now  and  then  to  amuse  my  friend.  This  day  I  read 
the  sentence  of  expulsion  pronounced  against  the  Jesuits,  by 
"  the  Grand  Master  of  Malta.  The  substance  of  it,  in  a  few  words, 


*  Vol.  ii.,  p.  185.  This  was  the  second  occasion  on  which  O'Beirne  was 
ordered  out  of  college  for  the  good  of  his  health.  On  his  return,  not  having 
had  a  certificate  of  conduct,  he  was  ordered  by  the  President  to  withdraw. 
Notwithstanding  his  apostacy,  Dr.  Plunket  had  hopes  of  his  return,  to  the 
last  moment,  and  seems  to  have  been  sincerely  attached  to  him. 

f  The  Kev.  Mr.  Austin,  for  whom  Dr.  Phmket  entertained  a  great  respect 
conducted  a  classical  school  in  SalTs-court,  Fishamble -street,  Dublin. 


THE  BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET.  3 

Is  this  : — He  sets  forth  that  as  the  dominion  of  Malta  was  pro- 
cured for  the  knights  of  that  order,  principally  by  the  media- 
tion and  good  offices  of  the  Court  of  Naples,  and  that  his  pre- 
sent Majesty  of  the  Two  Sicilies  has  judged  it  incumbent  on 
him  to  expel  the  Jesuits  from  all  his  territories  pour  des  crimes 
ires  graves  d'etat  (I  did  not  see  these  words  in  the  declaration  of 
the  King  of  Naples),  he  thinks  himself  bound  in  duty  to  treat 
the  Jesuits  in  the  same  manner,  and  does  in  consequence,  &c., 
&c.  They  were,  accordingly,  transported  to  Civita  Vecchia.  All 
the  religious  are  allowed  80  Roman  crowns  per  annum.  It  is 
reported  here  that  the  French  have,  some  days  ago,  taken  pos- 
session of  Avignon,  as  that  the  Neapolitan  troops  are  to  seize 
upon  Beneventum,  which  belongs  to  the  Holy  See,  since  the 
eleventh  or  twelfth  century.  These  are  the  consequences  of 
the  affair  of  Parma.  I  heard  say  a  good  while  ago  that  when 
the  Pope  was  threatened  with  this  twofold  disaster  by  the  Am- 
bassadors of  France  and  Naples,  if  he  did  not  revoke  his  bull 
against  the  Ministry  of  Parma,  he  calmly  and  resolutely  replied 
"  that  their  Majesties  of  France  and  Naples  might  do  what  they 
pleased  against  Avignon  and  Beneventum ;  that  he  had  not 
troops  to  oppose  to  two  such  powerful  monarchs ;  that  though 
he  had  he  would  not  make  any  opposition ;  that  his  sentence 
against  Parma  had  been  weighed  with  the  maturest  delibera- 
tion, and  could  not  admit  of  any  change  or  alteration."  Id  on 
a  trouve  la  response  digne  de  St.  Pierre :  des  advocats  meme  d& 
cette  Capitale  ne  craignent  pas  de  dire  assez  haul  que  le  Pape 
n'a  pas  en  tort  dans  V affaire  de  Parme.  Dou bless  your  papers 
tell  you  how  the  Catholic  Confederacies  in  Poland  are  gaining 
ground.  In  the  beginning,  it  was  but  a  spark ;  but  now  it  is  a 
great  blaze  which  overspreads  almost  the  whole  nation.  The 
Russian  troops,  according  to  our  accounts,  are  giving  way  on  all 
sides.  It  is  now  just  twelve  o'clock  at  night,  and,  consequently, 
time  to  finish.  Adieu  then,  dear  friend ;  I  embrace  you  sincerely, 
and  am,  with  great  affection, 

"  Your  most  humble  and  devoted  servant, 


"  Paris,  the  Gth  of  June,  1768. 

"  P.S. — The  books  I  sent  are  a  present.  I  am  no  bookseller. 
There  is  no  question  of  a  remittance.  Trifles  of  this  kind  I  will 
Bend  you  with  pleasure,  whenever  you  call  for  them,  as  long  as 


4  THE  BISHOPS   OF  MEATH — DK.   PLUNKET. 

T  am  able.  My  brother,  to  whom  I  write  by  Mr.  O'Beirne,  will 
give  you  news  about  Jas.  Rooney,  which  you  will  find  very 
curious." 

("  To  Mr.  Thos.  Betagh,  at  Mr.  John  Austin's,  in  Archibald's 
Court,  Cook-street,  Dublin.") 

On  the  first  of  May,  1 770,  he  writes  again  from  Paris,  to 
Father  Betagh,  as  follows : — 
"  DEAREST  FRIEND, 

"  I  write  to  you  at  present  partly  to  pray  you  to  for- 
ward the  enclosed  to  my  brother,  partly  to  introduce  to  your 
acquaintance  the  bearer,  Mr.  Dunne.  He  is  one  of  our  cloth, 
a  fellow-student  of  mine,  and  a  gentleman  of  worth.  He  is  ani- 
mated with  the  spirit  of  his  state,  and  has  a  deep  sense  of  its 
high  obligations.  Possibly  he  may  fix  himself  in  Dublin  ;  and 
as  he  knows  you  by  character  as  well  as  Mr.  Austin,  I  saw  it 
would  be  agreeable  to  him  to  have  an  occasion  of  paying  you 
both  his  respects.  He  can  inform  you  of  whatever  regards  me. 
Since  my  last  I  have  been  given  to  understand  that  I  am  to 
pass  Doctor  in  a  short  time.  In  that  case  I  shall  not,  in  all 
probability,  see  Ireland  this  summer ;  nor  can  I  guess  to  what 
distance  my  hopes  of  returning  thither  shall  be  removed  by  this 
expensive  ceremony.  But  whether  I  am  here  or  there,  I  shall 
always  be, 

"  Dearest  friend, 

"  Your  ever  devoted  and 

"  Affectionate  humble  servant, 

"  P.  J.  PLUNKET. 

"  Remember  me  in  the  warmest  manner  to  the  dear  Mi\ 

Austin. 

"  P.S. — You  have  heard,  I  suppose,  long  ago,  that  Mr. 
Carpenter  is  the  man  for  Dublin.  It  does  me  the  greatest 
pleasure  to  hear  that  Mr.  Carpenter  is  a  man  of  worth.  The 
bearer  can  inform  you  how  much  this  kingdom  is  edified  by 
the  illustrious  sacrifice  which  Madam  Louise  de  France  has 
lately  made.  She  has  trampled  under  foot  all  the  glittering 
splendour  of  a  court  life,  and  is  become  a  poor  Carmelite  nun 
at  St.  Denis.  The  superior  of  the  convent,  the  mistress  of  the 
novices,  in  a  word  the  whole  etat  major  are  Irishwomen,  and 


THE  BISHOPS   OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET.  5 

such  as  do  honour  to  Ireland  by  their  virtue,  understanding, 
and  prudence.  Please  not  to  charge  Mr.  Ford,  now  in  Dublin, 
with  the  little  articles  you  have  for  me  ;  in  a  late  letter  he 
said  he  would  carry  them  to  me,  and  I  would  be  better  pleased 
he  did  not.  Your  prudence  will  suggest  a  pretext  for  not 
troubling  him  with  this  commission,  which,  however,  I  am 
sure  he  would  execute  faithfully  and  with  all  his  heart.  Adieu 
once  more,  dearest  friend." 

On  the  13th  of  August,  1775,  lie  writes  to  his  old  friend, 
Mr.  Adrien : 

"  MY  DEAR  FRIEND, 

"  I  waited  only  for  the  return  of  the  post  to  answer 
your  kind  favour  of  the  25th  ult.  As  you  recommend  Master 
Gallagher,  and  suppose  the  terms,  formerly  mentioned,  will  be 
adhered  to,  Dr.  Kelly  made  no  objection  to  his  reception.  I 
apprehended  he  would  for  one  reason.  We  entertained  hopes 
of  occupying  next  October  the  part  of  our  new  house  that  was 
first  built ;  it  would  be  sufficient  to  contain  about  sixty  lads — 
at  present  we  are  not  much  below  that  number.  I  was,  there 
fore,  inclined  to  believe  that  every  future  candidate,  though  he 
paid  the  fullest  pension,  would  for  some  time  meet  with  diffi- 
culties in  applying  for  admission.  The  slowness  and  neglect 
of  the  carpenter  Ave  have  employed  present  this  kind  of  ob- 
stacles ;  we  almost  despair  of  being  able  to  remove  to  our  new 
habitation  until  next  spring.  The  esteem  you  profess  for  the 
father  and  son  entitles  the  latter  to  every  little  attention  in 
my  power.  How  far  the  stiffness  of  temper  you  take  notice  of 
may  clash  with  our  method  of  life  I  cannot  say.  The  fare  is 
frugal ;  strict  obedience  and  subordination  are  exacted  ;  how- 
ever, the  observance  of  rule  is  enforced  with  mildness  rather 
than  severity.  He  must  have  a  small  share  of  capacity,  and  a 
smaller  one  of  good  will,  who  does  not  comply  in  such  things 
as  are  essentially  required  here.  It  was  by  no  means  necessary 
to  pay  a  visit  to  Mr.  Anderson,  whose  title  to  any  degree  what- 
ever, in  any  faculty,  I  am  an  utter  stranger  to.  The  influence 
attributed  to  him  over  Dr.  Kelly  I  am  equally  ignorant  of ;  nor 
can  I  conceal  my  surprise  that  he  could,  in  consequence  of  any 
such  opinion,  think  himself  authorized  to  treat  in  an  unfriendly 
manner  and  give  orders  to  those  that  have  been  educated  by 
Mr.  Mulcail  and  you.  Mr.  Gallagher's  desire  that  his  son 


6  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

should  be  hastened  to  philosophy  will  not  square  with  some 
favourite  notions  entertained  in  this  house.  We  wish  the  boys 
may  shine  in  their  studies  ;  and  we  remark  those  seldom  or 
never  do  shine  who  begin  above  troisieme  ;  I  must  observe,  not- 
withstanding, that  the  students'  greater  advantage  is  principally 
attended  to.  This  establishment  came  into  public  notice,  and 
acquired  the  little  consistency  and  consequence  it  enjoys,  chiefly 
by  the  success  of  its  humanists.  It  is  not  surprising  the 
superiours  should  be  loth  to  depart  from  the  plan  which  sup- 
ports its  reputation  and  may  still  promote  its  further  improve- 
ment. What  we  know  for  certain  by  experience  is,  that  there 
is  a  very  remarkable  difference  discoverable  between  those  who 
do  not  study  humanity  on  this  side  the  water  and  those  who 
do.  Hence,  in  general,  those  are  not  so  -welcome  to  us  who 
come  at  an  age  too  advanced  for  this  branch  of  education, 
and  none  more  so  than  boys  of  sixteen  or  seventeen,  or  there- 
about, who  have  piety  and  talents,  and  have  had  the  inesti- 
mable advantage  of  being  formed  in  so  excellent  a  school  as 
j^ours.  Such  young  candidates  have  more  time  to  prepare  for 
our  state  ;  their  good  and  bad  qualities  are  more  thoroughly 
known  ;  they  have  less  opposition  to  the  yoke  of  discipline  and 
subordination  ;  they  are  less  exposed  to  the  dangers  of  a  preci- 
pitate choice  of  a  state  of  life.  As  the  greater  part  of  the 
clergy  of  Ireland  receive  orders  without  any  long  noviceship  or 
probation,  I  should  be  more  reserved  in  speaking  to  another  on 
this  topic ;  for  this  very  difference  between  those  who  are  bred 
here  and  them  is  a  cause  of  unaccountable  animosity.  It  is  an 
unpardonable  crime  in  us  to  have  had  the  happiness  of  reflect- 
ing, of  examining  before  we  contracted  the  most  awful  engage- 
ments under  heaven.  I  am  told  those  of  this  house  are  at 
present  called  the  Jesuits  of  the  secular  clergy.  I  know  nothing 
more  mean  than  this  sort  of  discord  and  antipathy.  If  the 
eleves  of  this  seminary  seem  not  well  disposed  towards  your 
friends  such  disaffection  must  have  been  learned  at  home,  not 
here,  where  the  contrary  dispositions  are  inculcated.  For  my 
part,  I  really  endeavour  to  recommend  and  communicate  those 
generous  principles  and  universal  benevolence  that  bring 
together  all  good  men  of  every  class  and  denomination,  what- 
ever their  education  or  particular  method  of  life  has  been,  and 
to  inspire  a  contempt  of  the  mean,  petty  distinctions  so  often 
.and  so  unjustly  made  the  pretexts  of  division  and  disunion. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  7 

But  it  is  time  to  put  an  end  to  this  long  digression,  into  which 
I  have  been  insensibly,  and  perhaps  needlessly  drawn.  Your 
curiosity  must  be  satisfied  by  something  more  to  the  purpose. 
Your  second  candidate's  interest  and  cause  seem  to  be  espoused 
by  you  with  more  than  usual  warmth  ;  on  this  account  I  was 
particularly  zealous  in  striving  to  answer  your  expectations — I 
know  not  whether  I  have  succeeded.  If  I  have  not  it  is  not 
certainly  my  fault.  The  late  purchases  made  by  our  superiour 
in  town  and  country  have  greatly  exhausted  what  had  been, 
laid  up  during  a  long  course  of  the  strictest  economy.  The 
means  of  subsistence  are  become  more  and  more  difficult  by 
the  prodigious  increase  of  the  value  of  all  commodities.  Add 
to  this  the  uncertainty  of  procuring  funds  equal  to  the  enor- 
mous expense  of  our  new  building,  a  sum  which  cannot  be  less 
than  200,000  livres,  and  you  will  allow  that  the  present  cir- 
cumstances are  not  favourable  to  the  exertion  of  expensive 
generosity.  Moreover,  as  the  superiour  is  accountable  for  the 
administration  of  the  revenues  of  the  house,  he  must  be  able 
to  justify,  in  a  plausible  manner,  every  abatement  of  pension 
he  consents  to,  especially  at  the  present  juncture.  The  dis- 
tinguished success  of  the  student  is  a  principal  reason  to  autho- 
rize indulgence  towards  him  with  regard  to  the  pension  he 
pays.  By  distinguished  success  we  understand  the  winning  of 
a  premium  in  our  university — Mr.  Mulcail  can  tell  you  in  what 
this  precisely  consists.  This  circumlocution  prepares  you  for 
Dr.  Kelly's  answer  to  my  application  in  favour  of  your  young 
friend.  He  must  be  of  an  age  not  too  advanced  for  troisieme — 
that  is,  fifteen,  sixteen,  seventeen,  or  thereabout  (you  said 
nothing  of  this  in  your  letter).  In  this  supposition  he  will  be 
received  gratis  as  soon  as  he  shall  win  a  premium  in  the  uni- 
versity. Should  this  happen  the  first  year  he  will  have  nothing 
at  all  to  pay  during  the  course  of  his  studies.  At  any  rate 
Dr.  Kelly  admits  him  for  ten  pounds  a-year,  until  his  applica- 
tion is  crowned  with  the  above-mentioned  success.  If  these 
terms  be  found  acceptable  let  him  lose  as  little  time  as  possible, 
but  be  here  about  the  beginning  of  October.  He  risks  nothing 
in  accepting  them  if  he  be  equal  to  young  Shea,  whom 
Messieurs  Austin  and  Mulcail  sent  hither  some  few  years  ago. 
At  worst,  his  father,  an  industrious  man  above  want,  may,  by 
straining  a  point,  be  able  to  pay  for  some  time  ten  pounds  a- 
year  in  small  gales.  For  candidates  of  this  kind  there  is  a 


8  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DE.  PLUNKET. 

special  providence  which  brings  them  through.  I  need  not 
say  that  Mr.  Mulcail  and  you  may  command  every  slender 
service  in  my  power.  If  the  youth  be  not  destined  for  hu- 
manity he  cannot  think  of  admission  here  on  the  above  terms. 
For  the  future  you  need  not  disturb  the  importance  of  any  of 
those  gentlemen  who  are  accustomed  to  be  so  ungracious. 
Write  to  Dr.  Kelly  yourself  or  to  me  ;  the  same  application  on 
the  part  of  Messieurs  Austin  and  Mulcail  will  be  equally 
effectual.  If  a  letter  of  recommendation  is  to  be  sought  for, 
let  it  be  from  Mr.  Field,  provided  it  can  be  obtained  without 
cringing,  or  otherwise  paying  too  dearly  for  it.  Dr.  C — p — r 
is  thought  by  some  to  be  lukewarm  enough  towards  us  ;  how- 
ever, a  word  from  him  might  sometimes  be  serviceable.  The 
candidates  themselves  can  with  more  propriety  than  you  call 
for  such  favours.  I  wrote  to  my  brother,  and  sent  you  a 
panegyric  of  Clement  XIV.,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Callan  ;  it  is  a 
singular  performance.  No  news  here  ;  we  are  quiet.  It  was 
rumoured  that  a  toleration  for  dissenters  was  thought  of.  I 
love  Mr.  Shortall  too  well  not  to  be  glad  you  like  him.  In 
point  of  friendship  he  is  another  Eetagh.  My  thoughts  on  the 
test  are  unworthy  your  notice ;  however,  contemptible  as  they 
are,  they  may  be  handed  to  you  next  month  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Fitzsimons,  whom  I  recommend  to  your  friendship,  and  am, 
with  best  wishes  to  every  friend,  particularly  M.  M.  Austin 
and  Mulcail, 

"Yours,  &c., 

"  P.  J.  P. 

"  P.S. — The  trifles  I  sent  you  were  already  due  for  past  favours. 
You  forgot  to  tell  me  the  price  of  Ruttey's  work,  which  I  re- 
ceived, and  for  which  I  thank  you.  It  was  for  a  rich  man, 
who  desires  to  know  what  it  cost  as  often  as  he  sees  me.  I 
beg  you  will  not  conceal  it  in  your  next,  which  1  will  expect 
soon.  To  make  amends  for  the  offence  this  may  give,  I  request 
you  will  send  me  an  Irish  almanack  for  next  year,  at  the  latter 
end  of  this.  It  gives  me  pain  that  I  could  not  as  yet  procure 
*  Le  Catechisme  du  P.  Bougeaut,'  nor  another  copy  of  M. 
Henry's  'Instructions  Familieres.'  Adieu,  cher  ami. 

"  P.  J.  P. 
"To  Mr.  Thomas  Adrien, 

"At  Mr.  William  Adrien's, 
"  Thomas-street,  Dublin." 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 


CHAPTER  II. 

CONSECRATION  OF  DR.  PLUNKET. — DEPARTURE  FOR  IRE- 
LAND.— PAUL  JONES,  THE  AMERICAN  PRIVATEER. — LET- 
TERS FROM  DEAR  AND  VALUED  FRIENDS. 

IN  the  following  letters,  which  were  worthy  of  the  great 
prelate  of  Meath,  we  have  an  interesting  account  of  his 
consecration,  and  the  noble  sentiments  of  humility  and 
responsibility  with  which  he  was  inspired : — 

"  DEAR  FRIEND 

"I  sit  down  in  a  hurry,  as  usual,  to  give  you  a  further 
account  of  what  concerns  my  late  promotion.  I  waited  on  his 
Excellency  the  Nuncio  here  as  I  mentioned  in  my  last.  He 
received  ine  graciously  and  confirmed  to  myself  what  he  had 
already  told  Dr.  Cahill,  but  seemed  a  little  surprised  that  I  had 
not  received  a  letter  from  Rome.  He  told  me  he  would  write 
off  directly  for  the  bulls.  They  arrived  before  his  letter  could 
reach  Rome,  that  is,  the  28th  of  January.  He  delivered  them 
to  me  last  week,  together  with  the  usual  faculties,  and  a  letter 
irom  Cardinal  Castelli  of  congratulation  and  exhortation,  which 
I  answered.  I  also  wrote  to  the  Cardinal  Protector,  by  his 
Excellency's  advice.  By  the  bulls  it  appears  I  was  named 
bishop  on  the  19th  of  December,  the  very  same  day  on  which, 
two  years  before,  I  was  nominated  provisor  of  this  college. 
This  revolution  is  singular  enough,  on  whatever  side  it  is  con- 
sidered. As  far  as  my  particular  happiness  is  concerned  I  am 
rather  inclined  to  entertain  fears  than  hopes.  The  duty,  the 
obligations,  and  the  very  great  difficulties  that  attend  them, 
entii'ely  absorb  my  thoughts.  My  constitution,  although  I 
have  never  been  seriously  sick,  is  far  from  being  strong.  In 
many  branches  of  moral  theology,  and  in  the  whole  canon  law, 
I  am  absolutely  a  novice.  I  want  that  kind  of  experience 
which  would  be  to  my  purpose — are  there  many  resources  to 
be  relied  on  in  the  diocese,  as  to  solid  enlightened  piety  and 
real  knowledge  ?  Notwithstanding,  my  friends  here  are  una- 
nimous in  thinking  this  business  is  the  work  of  Providence. 
All  I  can  say  for  myself  is  that  I  desire  to  promote  the  cause 
of  God  and  rel:glon  to  the  utmost  of  my  power.  Could  I  but 


10  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

have  such  an  assistant  as  you  the  burden  would  sit  much 
lighter  upon  me.  Our  Archbishop,  whom  I  waited  upon  two 
days  ago,  and  who  received  me  in  the  most  gracious  manner, 
would  have  willingly  performed  the  consecration  ;  but  as  the 
Nuncio  offered  me  his  ministry,  his  grace  advised  me  to  take 
him,  observing  that  I  might  hereafter  want  him  at  Rome.  I 
believe  the  28th  instant  is  fixed  for  that  purpose.  This  is 
hasty  I  imagine  ;  but  his  Excellency  has  a  journey  to  make,  I 
believe  with  Count  Onesti,  from  which  he  will  not  perhaps 
return,  and  I  could  obtain  no  longer  delay.  I  beg  you  will 
write  to  me  immediately,  and  give  me  every  kind  of  intelli- 
gence in  your  power  relative  to  myself  and  to  the  diocese. 
Embrace  all  friends  in  my  name,  particularly  Messrs.  Austin 
and  Mulcail.  Adieu,  dear  friend. 

"  Ever  yours, 

"  P.  J.  PLUNKET. 

"  Paris,  llth  February,  1779. 

' '  To  Mr.  Thomas  Adrien, 

"  At  Mr.  William  Adrien's, 

"  Thomas-street,  Dublin,  Ireland." 

"  DEAR  FRIEND, 

"  I  received  your  favour  of  the  15th  of  last  month,  in 
which  you  give  me  early  notice  of  the  anonymous  letter  sent  to 
the  Portreeve  of  Trim,  and  by  him  to  Mr.  Eowley.  This  cha- 
ritable invention  made  just  as  little  impression  upon  me  as  you 
would  wish.  Such  machinations  might  do  mischief,  and 
therefore  alarm,  in  the  last  century,  or  in  the  beginning  of 
the  present  one  ;  now,  I  believe,  the  absurdity  of  them  is  too 
palpable  to  gain  credit.  The  dangers,  indeed,  and  difficulties 
of  my  new  station  I  see  strongly  enough  to  be  terrified  by  them ; 
but  they  are  not  the  dangers  that  may  be,  and  sometimes  are 
threatened  by  men,  that  make  me  apprehensive :  I  think  I 
dread  only  those  of  a  higher  order ;  such  as  I  would  expose 
myself  to,  by  rushing  unprepared  into  the  exercise  of  functions 
tremendous  and  awful  in  every  "sense.  The  strange  attempt 
made  to  deter  me  from  accepting  the  episcopal  dignity  is  so 
silly  and  so  wicked,  that  I  can  scarce  be  induced  to  believe  it 
was  framed  by  men  of  a  character  any  way  sacred.  Whoever  the 
authors  of  it  be,  I  forgive  them  from  my  heart.  I  have  no  sort 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  11 

of  prejudice  against  any  persons  of  any  denomination  whose  con- 
duct is  regulated  by  the  dictates  of  reason  and  religion;  such  men, 
on  the  contrary,  I  honour  and  revere,  and  ever  will  honour  and 
revere,  wherever,  under  whatever  name  or  title,  I  may  meet 
them.  As  it  happens,  the  scheme  comes  too  late  to  answer  the 

intended  purpose.  I  was  consecrated  B p  of  Meath,  yesterday, 

in  a  chapel  belonging  to  the  Seminary  of  St.  Sulpitius,  at  their 
country-house,  at  Issy,  near  Paris,  by  the  Nuncio,  assisted  by  the 
Bishops  of  Soissons  and  Clermont.  I  afterwards  had  the  honour 
of  dining  with  his  Excellency  and  the  above-mentioned  prelates, 
and  Count  Onesti,  the  P— pe's  nephew,  who  is  now  here.  The 
N-n — o  added,  if  possible,  to  my  new  dignity,  by  his  polite- 
ness, attention,  and  gracious  behaviour  on  this  occasion.  1  told 
him  the  contents  of  your  last  letter,  which  occasioned  marks  of 
indignation.  The  ceremony,  including  clothes,  dress,  and  every- 
thing, will  be  expensive.  This  determines  me  to  accept  your 
truly  friendly  offer  of  a  loan  of  fifty  pounds.  I  believe  the  most 
advantageous  way  of  sending  it  would  be  to  send  me  a  London 
bill  on  Paris  ;  Mr.  Field,  to  whom  I  beg  my  compliments,  could 
give  proper  advice  in  this  particular.  Of  this  money  I  will 
bring  back  to  Ireland  as  much  as  I  can.  I  can  scarce  be  ready 
to  quit  Paris  before  the  end  of  May  ;  this  I  do  not  mention  to 
others.  I  am  told  I  must  write  a  pastoral  letter ;  give  me  some 
instructions  relative  to  it ;  instruct  me  also,  for  God's  sake,  in 
everything  else  you  may  think  useful  and  necessary.  Mr. 
Nowlan  desires  1  will  name  his  coadjutor  at  Drogheda,  a  Mr. 
Commons,  deservitor  in  perpetuum  of  said  parish.  In  case  of 
a  vacancy,  I  had  myself  thoughts  of  being  there ;  I  would  want 
but  the  English  language  for  familiar  instructions,  and  would 
be  nearer  Dublin,  that  is,  nearer  to  you  and  other  friends,  on 
whose  assistance  I  greatly  rely.  But  I  can  do  nothing  until  I 
am  at  home ;  although  I  wish  for  as  much  intelligence  as  pos- 
sible before  hand.  Embrace  for  me  our  common  friends.  Adieu. 

"  Yours  unalterably, 

"P.  J.  PLUNKETT. 

• 

«  Paris,  the  1st  March,  1779. 

"  P.S. — Write  as  often  as  you  conveniently  can  ;  address  to 
me,  au  Seminaire  des  Clers  Irlandois  Rue  du  Cheval  vert  pre"s 
L'estrapade,  where  I  now  reside  among  my  old  companions, 


12  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

and  experience  every  kind  of  cordiality.  Some  from  Meath  had 
the  indiscretion  of  addressing  me  under  the  title  of  my  new 
station. 

"  To  Mr.  Thomas  Adrien, 

"  At  Mr.  William  Adrien's, 
"  Thomas-street,  Dublin, 

"Ireland." 

Dr.  Plunket,  after  making  all  necessary  preparations, 
left  Paris  for  Ireland,  about  the  end  of  May,  1779,  and,  on 
his  way  home  was  robbed  of  his  books  and  episcopal  outfit, 
by  no  less  a  personage  than  Paul  Jones,  the  celebrated 
American  privateer.  On  his  arrival  in  the  diocese  of 
Meath  he  was  welcomed  by  all  classes,  clergy  and  laity, 
and  was  presented  with  a  gold  cross,  which  his  predeces- 
sor, Dr.  Chevers,  wished  to  hand  down  to  his  successors, 
as  a  diocesan  heirloom.  Amongst  the  papers  of  Dr.  Plun- 
ket, there  is  an  old  leaf  which  contains  the  following  at- 
testation : — 

"  Received  from  the  Most  Rev.  Dr.  Chevers,  Bishop  of 
Meath,  a  valuable  pectoral,  for  my  use  at  present,  which  I  am 
to  return  whenever  called  for,  and  which  he  intends,  and  by 
these  presents  leaves  to  his  successors,  in  the  diocese  of  Meath, 
for  ever,  under  the  condition  of  discharging,  or  ordering  to  be 
discharged,  three  masses  yearly,  whilst  the  aforesaid  pectoral 
last,  in  which  he  charges  their  respective  consciences.  Given 
under  my  hand,  this  Gth  day  of  August,  1774. 

"  OWEN  GEOGHEGAN." 

"  I  received  the  above-mentioned  gold  cross,  and  leave  it  on 
the  same  condition  to  my  successor,  in  the  See  of  Meath. 
Given  under  my  hand  the  15th  of  July,  1779. 

"  PATRICK  JOSEPH  PLUNKET,  Bishop  of  Meath." 

The  following  letters,  from  brother-professors  and  fellow- 
labourers,  to  whom  Dr.  Plunket  had  endeared  himself  by 
many  ties,  during  his  collegiate  life,  will  be  read  now  with 
interest,  and  will  illustrate  how  deeply  his  loss  was  felt 
amongst  those  who  were  best  acquainted  with  his  noble 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  13 

qualities.  The  first  is  from  a  distinguished  priest,  the 
Rev.  Dr.  M.  Cahill,*  who  had  been  for  some  time  in  de- 
clining health,  and  whose  death  we  shall  see  described  in 
the  letter  which  shall  close  this  chapter : — • 

"  Ivry,  August  7th,  1779. 
"  EVER  DEAR  AND  WORTHY  FRIEND, 

"  I  received  your  letter,  written  the  eve  of  your  departure 
from  London.  I  was  sorry  you  took  the  trouble  of  writ- 
ing to  me  in  the  great  hurry  in  which  you  must  have  been  in. 
It  would  have  sufficed  to  have  written  to  me  after  your  arrival 
in  Ireland.  Indeed  I  desire  very  much  to  hear  from  you  now, 
and  to  know  the  reception  you  met  with,  as  well  in  the  metro- 
polis as  at  home.  This  I  am  impatient  to  be  informed  of,  and 
as  amply  as  possible.  Marky's  long  letter,  by  the  bearer,  will 
render  this  superfluous  as  to  news,  for  he  will  omit  nothing. 
All  that  I  shall  say  is  only  that  I  profited  much  by  the  waters 
of  Passy.  I  believe  I  must  go  there  again,  for  his  lordship  of 
Derry  (who  takes  my  recovery  much  to  heart)  says  I  must  go 
there  again.  He  spends  some  time  there  himself,  and  has  an 
apartment  ready  for  me.  He  called  here  the  other  day  to  tell 
me  so.  He  and  Sir  Patrick  Bellew  are  much  pleased  with  our 
establishment.  I  have  been  much  concerned  at  the  accident 
your  trunks  have  met  with.  I  was  twice  with  Doctor  Frank- 
lin about  them  ;  he  promised  me  he  would  do  all  in  his  power 
to  recover  them  for  you.  I  fear  the  contents  of  them  are 
spoiled  by  the  sinking  of  the  vessel — this  accident  Marky 

gives  you  in  detail You  will  be  pleased  to 

remember  me  most  cordially  to  Mr.  Reilly  and  your  brother.  I 
shall  conclude  here,  having  nothing  more  to  say,  except  that  I 
am,  and  ever  shall  be, 

"My  dear  and  worthy  friend, 
"  Your  ever  affectionate  and  most  humble  servant, 

"  M.  CAHILL." 


*  He  v  as  one  of  the  Superiors  of  the  college. 


14  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Letter  of  Rev.  J.  Marky.* 

"  Ivry,  August  9th,  1 779. 

"MY  LORD,  MY  DEAREST  FRIEND,  MY  MOST  RESPECTABLE 
MASTER  AND  SUPERIOUR,  MY  BENEFACTOR,  MY  DIRECTOR,  MY 
GUIDE,  MY  COMFORTER  IN  DISTRESS  AND  PAIN,  AND,  BY  CON- 
DESCENSION, MY  COMPANION  AND  FELLOW-LABOURER, 

"  No  doubt  you  will  find  this  way  of  commencing  a  let- 
ter very  uncommon,  and  very  different  from  the  accustomed 
epistolary  forms  ;  but  you  will  be  soon  reconciled  to  it  if  you 
attend  to  the  manifold  respects  under  which  I  am  obliged  to 
consider  you,  and  which  it  was  impossible  for  me  to  crowd  all 
into  half-a-line,  or  into  one  or  two  lines.  You  certainly  are  the 
first  I  ever  accosted  in  a  letter  with  such  a  multiplicity  of  quali- 
fications, having  never  yet  taken  up  even  one  line  for  that 
purpose,  in  regard  of  anyone  whatsoever  ;  but  this  can  appear 
strange  to  no  one  except  such  as  are  strangers  to  the  relation 
in  which  I  stood  with  Mr.  Plunket  first,  and  then  with  the 
Bishop  of  Meath.  When  I  view  you  in  either  of  these  quali- 
ties, and  reflect  on  the  numberless  happy  scenes  we  have  run 
through,  I  must  confess  I  am  apt  to  judge  the  above  catalogue 
rather  short  and  defective,  than  long  or  overcharged.  But 
there  is  no  use  in  recalling  the  remembrance  of  those  past 
happy  times,  as  it  can  only  occasion  sorrow  and  regret  for  their 
being  all  over,  without  any  hopes  of  their  return.  Past  pain 
is  remembered  with  pleasure,  but  past  pleasure  is  remembered 
with  pain.  All  I  shall  say  is,  that,  in  all  appearance,  I  never 
shall  see,  during  the  rest  of  my  life,  such  happy  days  as  those 

I  spent  in  your  company As  to  the  late 

accident  that  has  happened  to  your  books,  pontificals,  &c.,  I 
am  satisfied  that  Providence  will  interpose  in  your  behalf,  and 
turn  this  event  into  a  proof  of  the  paternal  care  with  which  it 
favours  those  who  spare  nothing  to  take  good  care  of  others. 
Nowlan  was  the  first  that  sent  this  dismal  piece  of  news.  On 
receipt  of  his  letter,  Mr.  Aherne,  who  chanced  to  dine  with  me 
that  day,  and  myself  put  our  heads  together,  and  penned  a  letter 
for  the  Archbishop  of  Paris,  as  Nowlan  directed,  praying  him  to 
lend  his  mediation  with  Monsieur  de  Sartine,  for  the  recovery 

•  Dr.  Marky  was  another  Superior  and  Fellow- Professor  in  college. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  15 

of  your  five  trunks;  representing  to  him  at  the  same  time,  that 
the  contents  of  them  could  be  of  no  consequence  or  value  to 
Captain  Jones,  whereas  the  loss  would  be  irreparable  to  you. 
His  Grace  wrote  off  straight  to  Sartine,  but  the  fate  of  the  vessel 
being  yet  undecided  has  received  no  answer.  I  wrote 
likewise  to  Mr.  Cahill,  then  at  Passy,  where  he  had  an 
occasion  of  seeing  Dr.  Franklin,  and  of  setting  him  in 
motion  for  the  same  purpose.  He  assured  Mr.  Cahill  he 
would  do  all  he  could  to  have  your  affairs  released,  and  that 
he  would  let  him  know  more  about  the  matter,  as  soon  as  the 
debate,  raised  about  the  legality  of  the  capture  would  be 
settled.  No  news  from  him  since,  because  the  affair  is  still  in 
agitation,  but  we  are  in  daily  expectation  of  seeing  it  termi- 
nated. I  wrote  likewise  to  Mr.  Moylan,  at  I/Orient,  whither 
Captain  Jones  led  his  prize.  I  fancied  his  concurrence  might 
be  of  the  highest  moment,  as  he  is  Commissioner  of  Marine  for 
the  Americans  in  that  port ;  and  to  make  sure  of  my  point,  I 
requested  that,  in  case  the  ships  were  condemned  as  a  legal 
prize,  he  would  secure  the  five  trunks  addressed  to  you,  pro- 
mising, in  your  name,  to  indemnify  the  captain  of  the  privateer 
at  any  reasonable  terms  he  would  propose.  This  very  moment 
I  receive  a  letter  from  Mr.  Moylan,  giving  me  the  following  ac- 
count : — '  Whatever  the  fate  of  the  vessel  may  be,  you  may 
assure  Dr.  Pluuket  that  his  books  and  vestments  will  be  held 
at  his  disposal ;  but  I  am  sorry  to  inform  you  that  this  vessel, 
from  some  unknown  accident,  got  sunk  a  few  days  ago  in  this 
harbour,  with  the  entire  of  her  cargo  on  board.  We  have  got 
her  up  again,  and  I  have  got  the  trunks  in  a  safe  place,  and 
their  contents  (which  were  all  much  wet)  drying.  I  am  par- 
ticularly concerned  for  this  accident  on  account  of  Dr.  Plunket. 
Captain  Jones*  would  have  as  much  pleasure  in  restoring  Dr. 
Plunket's  goods  (because  he  is  acquainted  with  his  merit  and 
good  character)  as  he  who  has  the  pleasure  of  being  personally 
known  to  him,  and  who  is  with  respect,  dear  Sir,  &c.'  So 
far  Mr.  Moylan.  You  see  Providence  has  not  quite  aban- 
doned you.  I'll  thank  Moylan  and  Captain  Jones  in  your 
name  and  my  own,  and  pray  the  former  to  transmit  the  trunks 
by  some  safe  occasion  to  Mr.  Guernon  at  Bordeaux.  This  is  a 


*  It  would  appear  that  Dr.  Plunket's  trunks  were  sent  by  a  different 
vessel  from  that  on  which  he  sailed  himself. 


16  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNK  ET. 

good  lesson  to  him  never  to  hazard  out  any  ships  Avithout  a 
pass  from  the  Americans,  as  well  as  from  the  French  and  Eng- 
lish. Had  the  three  friends  been  furnished  with  one  from 
Franklin,  your  trunks  and  the  whole  cargo  would  have  arrived 
safe  and  sound  in  Dublin.  All  that  can  be  expected  now,  in  re- 
gard of  your  effects,  is  to  have  them  forwarded  to  you,  such  as 
they  are,  that  is,  I  fear,  much  damaged  by  the  water.  But  it 
is  better  to  have  them  even  so,  than  let  them  go  to  Boston, 
where  the  sight  of  them  might,  perhaps,  make  you  pass  for  a 
conjuror.  How  does  the  air  of  County  Meath  agree  with  your 
Lordship  1  .  .  .  .  Only  one  "  accessit,"  got  by  Wilde,  in 
Latin  and  amplification,  is  the  whole  of  our  fortune,  this  year, 
in  the  university.  I  fear  the  distribution  of  the  college, 
which  is  to  be  this  evening,  will  not  prove  much  more  advan- 
tageous. Can  you  believe  that  Mr.  Cahill  is  incomparably 
better  than  when  you  left  us  ?  The  Passy  waters  have  operated 
most  successfully.  The  swelling  is  quite  removed  from  his  head, 
hands,  and,  in  general,  from  the  upper  parts  of  his  body ;  and 
is  very  considerably  abated  in  his  legs.  He  eats  with  appetite, 
sleeps  very  tolerably,  is  much  more  active  and  vigorous,  rides 
and  walks  pretty  stoutly,  and  has  got  a  clearer  and  more 
healthy  colour.  God  grant  him,  and  us  all,  a  continuance  of 
this  mending  state.  If  he  can  hold  out  this  autumn,  and  the 
following  winter,  I  make  no  doubt  but  the  next  season  will 
complete  his  cure.  Flood  is  in  a  fair  way  to  finish  himself, 
and  so  intent  is  he  upon  it,  that  he  rather  chooses  to  stay  vege- 
tating and  poring  over  his  books  in  Paris,  than  spend  the  vaca- 
tion with  us  at  Ivry,  where  he  might  certainly  read  as  much  as 
any  reasonable  pounder  would  desire ;  but  there  is  no  such  thing 
as  reasoning  with  one  that  is  predetermined  to  listen  to  no  reason. 
Stafford  is  far  from  being  well.  His  case  is  by  so  much  the 
more  dangerous  inasmuch  as  he  insensible  to  his  own  danger. 
Sourness,*  crossness,  and  peevishness  are  growing  apace  on 
him,  and  'tis  my  opinion  they  will  grow  at  last  to  such  a  pitch 
as  to  render  him  absolutely  intolerable  and  inaccessible.  .  .  . 
Our  garden  has  done  its  duty  this  year  extremely  well.  We 
have  a  vast  plenty  of  fruit.  The  melons  have  succeeded  very 
tolerably,  although  I  have  not  as  yet  tasted  any  so  delicious  as 
the  little  round  one  we  eat  last  year  in  Paris.  I  wish  it  were 


The  writer  is  joking  about  a  collegiate  friend,  who  was  dear  to  both. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNK  ET.  1 7 

in  my  power  to  convey  one  to  the  diocese  of  Meath.  If  so, 
your  Lordship's  table  would  be  graced  with  the  largest  and  most 
mellow  of  this  year's  growth.  I  beg  pardon,  my  Lord,  for  such 
a  rhapsody.  Be  pleased  to  present  my  sincerest  wishes  to  your 
brother  and  family  ;  to  P.  Reilly,  Smith,  &c.,  &c. 

"  From  ever  yours, 

"  J.  MARKY." 

Letter  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  Flood. 

"  MY  LORD  AND  DEAREST  FRIEND, 

"  I  now  sit  down  to  begin  a  correspondence,  which,  though 
most  pleasing  to  me,  cannot  but  be  somewhat  painful.  It  must 
frequently  recall  to  my  mind  the  absence  of  the  best  of  friends. 
Shall  this  our  intercourse  be  of  short,  shall  it  be  of  a  long  dura- 
tion? I  must  leave  to  Providence  to  determine though 

were  I  to  form  a  wish but  this  for  another 

time.  Gratitude  would  require  that  this  letter,  which  is  the 
first  I  have  the  honour  to  address  to  your  Lordship,  .should  be 
a  letter  of  thanks,  an  acknowledgment  of  the  many  and  num- 
berless favours  I  have  received  at  your  hands,  during  the  course 
of  a  long  and  painful  career.  This  would  be  a  task  far  surpass- 
ing my  poor  abilities,  I  feel,  but  you  know  I  am  most  unhappy 
in  the  expression.  I  hope  then  your  Lordship  will  take  the  in- 
tention for  the  deed.  Permit  me  only  to  add  that  it  shall 
not  be  in  the  power  of  time  to  make  me  forget  that  to  you, 
next  to  God,  I  am  indebted  for  every  spiritual  and  temporal 
advantage  I  am  thought  to  be  possessed  of ;  that  I  shall  ever- 
more retain  the  deepest  and  most  grateful  sense  of  your  uncom- 
mon and  unmerited  attention. 

"  I  beg  you  may  consider  these  few  lines  not  as  a  letter,  but 
rather  an  apology  for  one.  I  can't  speak  to  you  at  present  of 
many  things  about  which  I  would  willingly  consult  you — you 
may  easily  guess  why.  Mr.  Marky.  who  stands  by,  tells  me 
that  he  sends  you  all  public  and  private  news — four  long  pages, 
close  writing,  sans  verbiage.  He  has  given  you  all  information 
relative  to  your  books.  The  archbishop,  on  application  made 
to  him  by  the  provisors,  expressed  the  greatest  concern  at  the 
accident  they  have  met  with,  and  assured  us  that,  on  receipt  of 
Mr.  Marky's  letter,  he  had  written,  in  the  most  pressing  terms, 


18  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

to  M.  de  Sartine,  to  have  them  restored.  I  think  you  should 
write  to  him  and  thank  him.  Abbe  Wright  is  busy  in  selling 
off  all.  You  may  expect  to  see  him  about  the  middle  of  next 
October.  I  am  sure  one  of  his  first  visits  will  be  to  you. 
Monsignor  Asseline's  most  respectful  compliments  wait  on  you. 
I  cannot  but  recommend  to  you  the  bearer,  Garrett  Reilly  ;  he 
is  an  humble,  docile,  pious,  and  zealous  ecclesiastic.  Mr.  Teeling, 
his  companion,  has  studied  well  since  your  departure.  Abbe 
says  that  the  current  report  at  Rome  makes  the  President, 
Bishop  of  Down  and  Connor — cela  demande  confirmation.  How 
have  you  been  received  by  the  brethren,  at  your  arrival  1  I 
am  sure  Sweetman  came  to  meet  you.  How  are  Mr.  O'Reilly 
and  my  namesake  of  Kells.  Remember  me  most  affectionately 
to  both.  Expect  another  letter  from  me  soon,  and  believe  me 
to  be,  with  unalterable  affection,  my  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  humble  and  most  obedient  servant, 

«  P.  FLOOD." 


Letter  from  Rev.  J.  Marlcy, 

"MY  LORD, 

"  You  will  be  much  more  afflicted  than  surprised  at  the 
sad  piece  of  news  this  letter  conveys  to  you.  Our  dearest  friend, 
Mr.  Cahill,  is  no  more.  We  were  a  long  time  prepared  for  this 
dismal  event ;  we  saw  him  dying  away  before  our  eyes,  and 
every  day  advancing  him  towards  his  end.  Yet,  notwithstand- 
ing this  gradual  approach  of  dissolution,  his  death  has  plunged 
us  all  into  the  deepest  desolation.  I  am  satisfied,  my  Lord, 
that  you  likewise,  in  regard  of  whom  the  edge  of  this  misfor- 
tune has  been  very  much  blunted,  by  the  daily  apprehension 
you  hava  been  in  for  a  good  while  past,  will,  nevertheless,  want 
to  arm  yourself  with  all  the  strength  of  mind  your  faith  and 
religion  can  inspire,  in  order  to  withstand  the  shock.  He  ex- 
pired on  Friday  last,  the  10th  of  this  month,  after  having  been 
administered,  first  the  20th  of  last  month,  and  again  on  the 
eve  of  his  decease,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  give  us  the  strongest 
hopes  that  he  has  died  the  death  of  the  just.  You  are  one  of 
the  first  persons  he  charged  me  to  present  his  last  adieus  to.  I 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  19 

request,  my  Lord,  you  will  let  us  soon  hear  from  you.  It  will 
be  a  consolation  to  us  in  our  present  distress  and  affliction.  I 
am,  my  Lord,  with  the  sentiments  you  know  me  to  be  possessed 
of  in  regard  of  you, 

"  Your  ever  affectionate  friend,  and  most  humble  servant, 

"J.  MARKY." 
"  Paris,  October  13th,  1779." 


CHAPTER  III. 

APPOINTMENT  OF  A  PARISH  PRIEST. — LETTER  FROM  DR. 
JAMES  BUTLER,  ARCHBISHOP  OF  CASHEL. — LETTER  FROM 
DR.  MAC  KIERNAN,  PRESIDENT  OF  DOWAY  COLLEGE.— 
LETTER  FROM  DR.  BUTLER,  ON  THE  ORDER  OF  VISITA- 
TION. 

DURING  the  interval  that  elapsed  between  the  election  of 
Dr.  Plunket  and  his  arrival  in  Meath,  the  administration 
of  the  diocese  was  entrusted  to  the  Rev.  Christopher 
Chevers,  P.P.  and  V.G.,  Kilbeg.  The  record  of  this  ap- 
pointment is  embodied  in  the  following  attestation : — 

"Cum  Illustrissimus  et  Reverendissimus  D.D.  Patricius 
Josephus  Plunket,  Episcopus  Midensis,  de  facto  fecerit,  consti- 
tuent et  ordinaverit  Reverendum  Dominuin  Christopherum 
Chevers,  prsefatae  Dioceseos  Yicarium  Capitularem,  generalem, 
et  specialem,  suum  Procuratorem,  eidemque  mandatum  speciale 
dederit  ejusdem  dioceseos  possessionem  sumendi  et  capiendi, 
prout  nobis,  ex  predicto  mandato  viso  constat,  vigore  Bullarum 
a  Sanctitate  sua,  Pio  Sexto,  Summo  Pontifice,  eidem  Reveren- 
dissimo  Antistiti  ad  hoc  concessarum  ;  nos  infrascripti,  in  pre- 
dicta  Diecesi,  Archidiaconus  et  Pastores,  fidem  facimus,  et 
declaramus,  nos,  eodem  temporis  momento,  adfuisse,  in  sacello 
parochiali  de  Kells,  quando  prsefatus  Dominus  Chevers,  prae- 


20  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

dictse  Dieceseos  possessionem  sumendo  et  capiendo,  prsefatum 
mandatum  execution!  mandavit. 

"  Sic  testamur  liac  octava  die  Maii,  1779. 

"  Frater  Michael  Tipper,  Pa-     "Thomas  Flood,    Archidiaconus 

rochus  de  Moimet,  Midensis, 

"PatriciusSmyth,Parochus     "Johannes  Martin,  Vicarius  Fo- 

de  Ardbraccan,  raneus, 

"  Patricius  Moore." 

Amongst  the  earliest  appointments  which  Dr.  Plunket 
made  to  vacant  parishes,  was  that  of  Rev.  Mr.  Balfe  to  the 
parish  of  Johnstown,  near  Navan.  It  was  Dr.  Plunket's 
wish  to  appoint  Rev.  Mr.  Commons,  curate  of  St.  Mary's, 
Drogheda,  to  that  vacancy,  but  as  he  preferred  the  parish 
of  Castletown-Geoghegan,  in  Westmeath,  the  bishop  gra- 
tified his  wish,  and  then  wrote  as  follows  to  Robert  Taaffe, 
Esq.,  who  had  been  importuning  to  have  Rev.  Mr.  Balfe, 
parish  priest  of  Johnstown  : — 

"  DEAR  SIR, 

"  Yesterday's  post  brought  me  the  inclosed  letter 
from  Rev.  Mr.  Commons,  which  I  send  for  your  perusal.  It 
leaves  me  free  to  dispose  of  the  parish  of  Johnstown  as  I  think 
proper.  I  am  happy  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  make  such  an 
use  of  my  liberty  as  must  be  pleasing  to  you.  By  nominating 
Rev.  Mr.  Balfe  now  to  the  living  of  Johnstown,  I  at  once  enjoy 
the  satisfaction  of  acting  with  impartial  justice,  and  that  of 
gratifying  a  friend.  My  letter  to  him,  on  this  occasion,  must 
be  the  more  agreeable,  when  handed  by  a  gentleman  who  so 
warmly  interested  himself  for  him.  I  inclose  it  here  the  more 
willingly,  as  I  am  persuaded  you  will  feel  no  small  pleasure  in 
"delivering  it  to  an  ecclesiastic  for  whom  you  profess  so  great 
an  esteem.  I  am,  with  very  cordial  wishes  to  your  good  family, 
dear  Sir,  your  most  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

"P.  J.  PLUNKET. 
"  Kells,  9th  of  October,  1779." 

"  To  Rev.  Mr.  Joseph  Balfe. 

"  REV.  DEAR  SIR, 

"  In  nominating,  without  human  respect,  to  the  vacant 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLTJNKET.  21 

parishes  of  Meath,  I  was  obliged  to  offer  the  one  you  serve  to  a 
gentleman  whose  services  are  more  ancient  than  yours.  His 
option,  luckily  for  you,  has  fallen  on  another  district.  The  good 
reputation  you  enjoy  among  those  whom  you  govern,  and  the 
esteem  in  which  you  are  held  by  them,  entitle  you  to  any  favour 
I  can,  consistently  with  duty,  bestow.  Wherefore  I  most  wil- 
lingly embrace  the  occasion  of  confirming  you  in  your  present 
station,  and  of  giving  to  the  Catholics  of  Johnstown  a  pastor 
according  to  their  own  hearts.  May  you  live  long  to  instruct 
them,  by  word  and  example  !  This  is  the  sincere  wish  of,  Rev. 
dear  Sir,  your  very  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

"  P.  J.  PLUNKET." 

Of  all  the  Irish  prelates  there  was  none  with  whom  Dr. 
Plunket,  during  his  early  episcopal  days,  seems  to  have 
been  on  such  close  terms  of  intimacy,  or  with  whom  he 
carried  on  so  regular  and  uninterrupted  a  correspondence,* 
as  Dr.  James  Butler,  Archbishop  of  Cashel.  On  the  5th 
of  December,  1779,  his  Grace  writes  from  Thurles : — 

"  MY  VERY  DEAR  LORD, 

"  I  was  too  happy  in  the  pleasure  of  your  conversation 
in  Dublin,  and  felt  too  much  grief  in  being  deprived  of  it  by 
my  departure  from  thence,  not  to  be  impatient  to  profit  of  the 
sole  resource  left  to  absent  friends,  which  is  pen  and  paper,  to 
continue  the  intimate  acquaintance  I  have  so  happily  begun  with 
you.  Another  motive  calls  upon  me,  which  is  to  enquire  about 
that  teazing  cold,  I,  as  you  say,  brought  upon  you.  Sure  you 
were  not  imprudent  enough  to  carry  it  with  you  to  Navan. 
And  yet  you  made  so  much  of  it,  when  you  got  it,  in  the  capi- 
tal, that  I  should  not  be  surprised  if  you  carried  it  home  with 
you.  I  arrived  home,  last  Friday  ;  I  stayed  two  days  in  Gar- 
risker,  where  they  long  vastly  to  enjoy  your  society.  By  dint 
of  riding  I  escaped  two  dreadful  showers  of  rain,  having  got  to 


*  The  compiler  of  this  volume  has  in  his  possession  a  large  pile  of  letters, 
written  by  Dr.  Butler,  between  1779  and  1791,  treating  of  all  ecclesiastical 
subjects  which  then  occupied  public  attention  ;  and  as  Dr.  Plunket  replied 
to  each  letter,  punctually,  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  productions  of  his 
graceful  pen  have  not  been  lost. 


22  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLCJNKET. 

the  end  of  each  day's  journey,  and  under  shelter,  before  three 
and-a-half  in  the  evening ;  which  was  the  hour  the  weather 
changed,  both  on  Thursday  and  Friday.  I  found  all  well — no 
change  or  alteration  during  my  absence  that  could  alarm  me. 
I  long  now  to  hear  from  your  Lordship  the  particulars  of  your 
stay  in  Dublin  after  me,  your  journey,  your  arrival  at  Navan, 
the  settlement  of  your  affairs  with  Mr.  Pratt,  your  recovery,  in 
fine,  everything  that  regards  you — as  all  will  be  most  interest- 
ing to,  my  ever  dear  Lord, 

"  Your  sincerely  devoted  and  affectionate  friend, 

"  JAMES  BUTLER." 

We  have  seen  that  free  places  were  established,  in  the 
the  College  of  Doway,  for  the  diocese  of  Meath.  On  the 
24th  of  April,  I7b0,  the  Rev.  Luke  MacKiernan,  then  Pre- 
sident of  the  Irish  College  at  Doway,  writes  to  Dr.  Plun- 
ket:— 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  I  was  honoured,  in  due  time,  with  your  Lordship's  most 
obliging  favour  from  Mullingar,  and  I  have  ever  since  deferred 
writing  to  you,  in  expectation  of  another  letter,  containing  the 
nomination  to  the  two  vacancies  for  the  diocese.  I  beg,  my 
Lord,  you  will  send  them  without  delay,  for,  I  cannot  balance 
my  accounts  without  them,  and,  as  they  are  to  be  audited  by 
the  provisors,  in  the  beginning  of  June  next,  it  will  be  indis- 
pensably necessary  to  have  the  nominations.  There  is  no  single 
circumstance  so  disagreeable,  in  my  station,  as  the  extreme 
difficulty  of  keeping  up  this  poor  establishment  with  any  toler- 
able decency,  arising  from  the  outstanding  debts,  contracted  by 
the  students,  whose  frequent  and  multiplied  insolvencies  have 
weighed,  and  do  continue  to  weigh,  heavy  upon  me.  .  .  . 
The  very  short  stay  you  made  here,  and  the  tumultuary  emo- 
tions of  joy  and  satisfaction  your  presence  raised  in  my  mind, 
did  not  allow  me  the  composure  and  recollection  of  speaking  to 

you  on  these  matters After  trespassing  so  long 

on  your  patience  by  my  own  affairs,  it  is  high  time  to  testify 
my  entire  satisfaction  at  the  reception  you  so  deservedly  re- 
ceived from  the  very  respectable  and  reverend  clergy  of  your 
diocese.  I  make  no  doubt  that  the  more  they  know  you  the 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  23 

more  vigorous  and  ardent  will  the  sentiments  be  which  your 
reputation  and  merit  raised  in  them,  before  a  personal  acquaint- 
ance inspired  them.  May  you,  my  Lord,  be  as  happy  in  them 
as  they  must  be  in  you  ;  and  may  the  liberality  of  your  senti- 
ments, and  the  many  other  eminent  qualities  which  the  Giver 
of  all  good  gifts  has  so  bountifully  bestowed  upon  you,  render 
you  as  respectable  as  you  deserve,  in  the  judgment  of  those  of 
a  different  communion,  and  remove  the  prejudices  that  have  so 
long  prevailed  against  our  holy  religion.  When  you  see  his 
Grace  of  Cashel,  I  beg  my  kindest  respects  to  him.  He  owes 
me  a  letter  these  sixteen  months,  and  his  portrait.  When  you 
can  spare  three  or  four  guineas  to  get  yours  drawn,  I  beg  you 

will  send  me  it 

"  I  am,  with  the  utmost  veneration, 

And  most  sincere  and  warm  attachment, 

"  Your  most  humble  and  most  devoted  servant, 
"  LUKE  MAC  KIERNAN." 

Dr.  Plunket  was  now  preparing  for  his  first  general 
visitation  of  the  diocese  of  Meath,  and,  hence,  solicited 
from  Dr.  Butler  a  programme  for  his  instruction  and 
guidance.  On  the  18th  of  June,  1780,  the  Archbishop  of 
Cashel  thus  writes  to  his  friend,  from  Thurles  : — 

"  MY  EVER  DEAR  AND  MOST  HONOURED  LORI), 

"  No  less  desirous  of  seeing  you  than  you  could  be  of 
seeing  me,  I  would  certainly  have  written  to  your  Lordship 
and  proposed  an  interview,  but  the  time  of  my  stay  at  Gar- 
risker  was  so  uncertain,  being  obliged  to  go  about  business  to 
Dublin,  and  on  my  return  from  thence  to  set  out  for  Thurles, 
that  I  was  loth  to  invite  you,  when  I  was  so  uncertain  of  the 
tune  we  could  enjoy  ourselves  together.  But  how  came  your 
Lordship  not  to  answer  the  letter  I  wrote  to  you  before  Lent, 
from  Cahir  1  You  caused  a  great  breach  in  our  correspondence 
by  your  silence.  I  hope  you  shall  be  more  conversable  for  the 
future ;  this  is  complaint  for  complaint. 

"  In  answer  to  your  enquiries  about  the  order  I  follow  in  my 
visitation,  which  by-the-bye  do  me  too  much  honour,  I  shall 
tell  you,  in  short,  my  practice,  not  that  I  consider  it  a  model 
for  you  to  imitate,  but  to  shew  my  readiness  to  oblige  you. 

"  I,  first  and  foremost,  on  my  coming  to  the  diocese,  sent  a 


24  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNK  ET. 

pastoral  letter  to  all  my  parish  priests,  informing  them  of  my 
intention  to  visit  the  diocese,  and  of  the  enquiries  I'd  make,  and 
that  I'd  give  every  one  at  least  a  week's  notice  beforehand  of 
the  day  of  my  coming  to  his  parish.  I  ordered  them  also  to 
have  a  list  of  all  scandalous  sinners,  such  as  drunkards,  swearers, 
&c. ;  and  of  all  who  had  not  fulfilled  their  Easter  duty ;  and  of 
all  parents  who  neglected  the  instruction  of  their  children,  &c. 
"  I  announced  to  them  that  I'd  confirm  no  children  under 
seven,  and  none  past  seven  who  were  not  well  instructed  on  the 
principal  mysteries,  the  commandments,  the  seven  sacraments, 
particularly  confirmation  and  the  dispositions  for  a  good  con- 
fession, and  who  did  not  know  the  Acts  of  Contrition,  Faith, 
Hope,  and  Charity.  I  opened  my  visitation  by  the  prayers 
mentioned  in  the  Pontifical ;  was  received  at  the  door  of  each 
chapel  by  the  pastor,  with  the  cross  in  his  hand,  which  I  kissed, 
and  the  aspersory,  with  holy  water ;  then  the  Benedictus  was 
either  say'd  or  sung,  as  in  the  Pontifical,  with  the  prayers. 
Ai'ter  being  in  rochett  and  camaille,  the  mitre  on  my  head,  I 
explained  to  the  people  the  nature  of  my  visitation,  the  graces 
and  blessings  it  would  impart  to  such  as  were  prepared  for  it, 
and  to  dispose  them  for  that  purpose  I  exhorted  them  to  profit 
of  the  presence  of  their  Divine  Saviour  on  the  altar,  during  the 
time  of  the  Mass,  which  was  to  be  celebrated  by  their  pastor, 
to  beg  of  Him  to  touch  their  hearts,  to  make  them  see  their 
past  ingratitude,  and  excite  in  them  an  ardent  desire  of  profit- 
ing of  this  our  visit.  I  then  repeated  aloud  the  Acts  of  Con- 
trition, Faith,  Hope,  and  Charity,  and  took  occasion  of  enfold- 
ing to  the  people  the  nature  of  them,  the  obligation  of  fre- 
quently saying  them,  the  indulgence  granted  to  those  who 
devoutly  recited  them,  &c.  After  the  communion  of  the  priest, 
before  the  Gospel  of  St.  John,  I  gave  the  episcopal  benediction. 
Mass  over,  I  invited  them  all  to  join  with  me  in  praying  for  the 
dead,  as  prescribed  in  the  Pontifical.  This  done,  I  sent  out  the 
children,  and  ordered  the  clergy  to  examine  them,  whilst  I  made 
enquiries  of  the  parish  priest  about  the  state  of  the  parish.  The 
subject  of  my  discourse  to  the  people,  after  inveighing  against 
the  different  abuses  that  I  heard  prevailed  amongst  them,  was 
on  the  dispositions  requisite  for  a  good  confession,  the  outlines 
of  which  I  took  from  my  catechism  ;  this  finished,  I  gave  Bene- 
diction of  the  Blessed  Sacrament,  which  gave  me  an  opportunity 
of  speaking  on  the  Eeal  Presence ;  and  I  found  it  very  neces- 


THE   BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DK.   PLUNKET.  25 

sary  to  do  so,  as  Protestants  often  mix  with  our  people  in  the 
chapel.  This  done,  I  dismissed  the  grown-up  people,  recom- 
mending to  them  peace  and  obedience,  and  soliciting  their 
prayers.  I  next  called  in  the  children,  whom  I  examined 
myself,  and  gave  confirmation  to  such  as  I  found  duly  prepared, 
and  who  had  been,  of  course,  at  confession.  After  a  short  dis- 
course, both  before  and  after  that  ceremony,  I  dismissed  them, 
and  then  enquired  about  the  ornaments,  vestments,  &c.,  of  the 
chapel ;  heard  such  cases  as  could  not'be  spoken  of  in  public ;  in- 
terrogated if  the  midwives  were  instructed  how  to  give  baptism 
in  case  of  necessity.  I  always  caution  the  people  not  to  be  in 
a  hurry  to  bury  their  dead,  and  against  closing  the  mouths  and 
nostrils  of  the  dying,  as  soon  as  they  seem  to  expire.  Complaints 
against  priests  I  generally  receive  in  private.  I  sometimes  visit 
but  one  station,  sometimes  both.  This  is  merely  a  rough  sketch 
of  my  order  of  visitation,  written  in  a  hurry,  with  a  bad  pen. 
Let  me  know  your  thoughts  on  it.  I  shall  be  most  happy  to 
see  you  in  Thurles,  but  let  me  know  sometime  beforehand,  in 
order  that  I  may  not  be  absent.  I  have  a  thousand  things  more 
to  say,  but  time  and  paper  allow  me  only  to  add  the  assurance 
of  my  being  for  ever, 

"  My  most  dear  and  honoured  Lord, 

"  Your  ever  affectionate, 

"JAMES- BUTLER. 

"  N.B. — I  set  out  to  continue  my  visitation  to-morrow." 


CHAPTER  IV. 

1.  VISITATION  REMARKS. —  2.  KILSKYRE. — 3.  OLDCASTLE. — 
4.  KILLIAGH. — 5.  CASTLEPOLLARD. — 6.  MAYNE. — 7.  FORE. 
— 8.  CASTLETOWN-DELVIN. — 9.  KILLALLON. — 10.  ATH- 
BOY. — 11.  TURIN. — 12.  MULTIFERNAN. — 13.  DYSART. — 
14.  CHURCHTOWN. — 15.  TUBBER. — 16.  KILBRIDE  AND 
HORSELEAP. 

WHEN  Dr.  Plunket  commenced  his  first  general  visitation, 
the    chapels   were,  almost  without   exception,  wretched 


26  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

miserable,  mud-wall,  thatched  hovels,  unfit  to  shelter  the 
beasts  of  the  field.  There  was  a  wily  policy  in  preventing 
the  Catholics  from  erecting  decent  places  of  worship,  and 
that  was  no  other  than  to  make  their  religion  appear 
contemptible ;  to  impress  on  the  Irish  that  they  were  a 
low,  wretched,  condemned  people ;  and  thus,  by  the  strik- 
ing contrast  of  wealth,  architectural  superiority,  and 
worldly  grandeur,  to  allure  them  over  to  the  Established 
Church.  However,  a  great  change  was  about  to  take 
place — the  tide  of  Ireland's  happiness,  so  long  ebbing,  was 
about  to  return.  Bunker's  Hill,  Sarotoga,  Stony  Point, 
Trenton,  and,  finally,  Yorktown,  where  Irish  blood  mingled 
in  torrents  with  the  Republicans  of  America,  awoke  England 
from  her  trance  of  fancied  security,  and  taught  our  haughty 
taskmasters  that  there  were  limits  to  forbearance.  The  great 
American  revolution  was  rolling  over  that  vast  continent, 
sounding  the  death-knell  of  ascendancy  and  tyranny; 
giving  hope  to  oppressed  nationalities,  and  making  our 
oppressors  tremble  lest  captive  Israel,  so  long  held  in 
chains,  would  rise  in  their  might,  and  follow  the  example 
of  their  American  brethren.  England's  difficull  y  was  al- 
ways Ireland's  opportunity ;  and  hence,  petitions  for  jus- 
tice or  mercy,  derided  in  the  days  of  prosperity,  have  been 
always  attended  to  when  the  fate  of  the  Empire  was  in 
peril.  So  has  it  been  for  the  last  700  years,  and,  unless 
Ireland  be  wise  and  determined,  so  shall  it  be  (can  we  say 
it  ?)  for  700  more.  It  was  at  this  momentous  crisis  Pro- 
vidence sent  Dr.  Plunket  to  our  diocese ;  and,  as  he  was  a 
man  of  great  learning,  of  matured  virtue,  of  untiring 
energy,  and  of  unbounded  zeal,  he  went  forth,  like  an 
apostle,  now  that  the  deluge  had  subsided,  to  gather  again 
the  scattered  stones  of  the  sanctuary,  and  to  lay,  deep  in 
our  midst,  the  foundations  of  the  faith.  We  have  found, 
amongst  his  papers,  some  records  of  his  first  general  visi- 
tation of  the  diocese,  written  with  his  own  pen,  which,  as 
they  illustrate  the  backward  state  of  religion  and  his  own 
zealous  efforts  to  rebuild,  after  the  long  night  of  persecu- 
tion, the  spiritual  and  material  temples  of  God,  we  here 
subjoin  : — 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.   PLUNKET.  27 

1.  KilksJceer. — June  29th,  1780. 

1.  The  altar-step,  and  the  place  about  the  altar,  by  no  means 
clean  or  orderly.     The  crucifix  too  bad.     A  cruet  or  small  phial 
for  the  wine  absolutely  wanting.     The  chapel  not  closed,  and 
therefore  exposed  to  dirt  and  profanation.     A  clerk  absolutely 
necessary  to  keep  up  some  little  decency  in  the  house  of  God. 

2.  One  of  the  chalices  not  to  be  used  until  the  screw  be 
mended ;  the  chalice  should  at  same  time  be  cleaned,  being  at 
present  black. 

3.  A  register  of  births,  marriages,  and  deaths  wanting,  and 
to  be  made  out  immediately.     A  missal  wanting. 

4.  The  children  in  general  ignorant  of  the  essential  parts  of 
the  Christian  doctrine,  and  not  understanding  what  they  say. 
Although  many  old  enough,  yet  none  prepared  for  the  sacra- 
ment of  confirmation ;  this  omission  makes  a  bad  impression. 
The  pastor  should  for  some  time  before  the  visitation,  by  fre- 
quent  instructions,    dispose   for   that  sacrament  as  many  as 
possible  of  the  children  above  seven  years  of  age.     Catechism 
necessary  to  be  taught  every  Sunday  and  holiday,  and  to   be 
explained  in  a  familiar  way,  and  therefore  strictly  ordered. 

5.  Ordered,  in  the  strictest  manner,  that  on  every  Sunday 
of  the  year,  and  on  the  principal  festivals,  the  gospel  or  epistle 
of  the  day  be  read  and  expounded  to  the  faithful,  or  some 
familiar  exhortation  be  addressed  to  them.     This  capital  branch 
of  pastoral  duty  must   ever  be  considered  as  indispensable ; 
nothing  else  can  conciliate  the  respect,  the  submission,  and 
love  of  the  flock,  which  are  always  forfeited  by  the  silence  of 
the  pastor. 

6.  The  pastor  must  be  sure  that  the  mid  wives  know  how  to 
administer  validly  the  sacrament  of  baptism. 

The  bishop  will  call  for  these  remarks  at  his  next  visitation, 
and  shall  examine  how  far  they  shall  be  complied  with.  He 
therefore  requires  the  pastor  to  transcribe  them  without  delay, 
and  send  him  the  original  by  the  earliest  opportunity.  None 
found  fit  for  confirmation. 

P.  J.  PLUNKET. 

2.  Oldcastle. — Visitation  remarks,  2nd  July,  1780. 

Only  two  confirmed. 

1.  The  children  not  sufficiently  instructed  in  the  catechism; 
only  one  of  those  examined  knew  it  tolerably.  It  is  absolutely 


28  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

necessary  to  teach  the  elements  of  our  holy  religion  every 
Sunday  and  holiday,  either  before  Mass  or  after,  at  regular 
determined  hours.  Ordered  in  consequence. 

2.  The  parish  pixis    to  have  this  inscription  :  Parochice  de 
Oldcastle  dedit  D.D.  Joan   Farely,   Doctor  Sorbonicus,  and  the 
letters  "  H.  B."  to  be  effaced  or  altered  so  as  to  cause  no  con- 
fusion hereafter. 

3.  Ordered,  conformably  to  the  injunction  of  the  Council  of 
Trent,  that  the  pastor,  or  the  person  who  holds  his  place,  do 
on  every  Sunday  and  principal  feast  read  the  gospel  or  epistle, 
and  expound  either  in  a  familiar  instructive  way,  or  address  an 
exhortation  to  the  people.     This  capital  part  of  pastoral  duty 
must  ever  be  considered  as  indispensable.     A  register  of  births, 
marriages,  and  deaths,  to  be  made  out  immediately. 

4.  The  young  people,  and  even  those  more  advanced,  talk 
irreverently  in  the  chapel,  and  seem  unaccustomed  to  instruc- 
tions on  the  respect  due  to  holy  places.     No  mulct  money  to 
be  received  on  any  account. 

5.  It  was  not  edifying  to  see  so  very  few  prepared  for  the 
sacrament  of  confirmation.      It  appeared  strange  that  no  per- 
son of  so  numerous  a  congregation  presented  himself  for  com- 
munion on   so  solemn  an  occasion,  if  the  plenary  indulgence 
annexed  to  St.  Peter's  day  and  its  octave  had  been  published, 
and  the  faithful  excited  to  profit  of  it. 

The  bishop  requires  that  these  remarks  be  transcribed  with- 
out delay,  and  the  original  given  him  as  soon  as  possible. 
They  are  to  be  the  subject  of  his  inquiries  next  year. 

P.  J.  PLUNKET. 

Oldcastle,  continued. — Visitation  remarks,  July  2nd,  1780. 

.  1.  Neither  order  nor  decency  about  the  altar.  The  altar- 
step  too  low.  The  priest  cannot  properly  convey  his  words 
when  he  stands  almost  on  a  level  with  the  people.  It  is  a 
shame  there  should  be  but  one  set  of  altar-linen  and  one  rusty 
suit  of  vestments  in  a  considerable  parish.  A  black  pewter 
chalice,  greatly  impaired,  is  absolutely  unfit  for  the  celebration 
of  the  divine  mysteries,  and  must  be  dishonourable  to  a  respect- 
able congregation. 

2.  The  principal  Roman  Catholics  of  Oldcastle  are  most  ear- 
nestly requested  to  form  themselves  into  a  committee,  and 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  29 

agree  upon  a  contribution  proportionable  to  the  repairs  of  their 
chapel  and  to  the  respective  abilities  of  the  parishioners.  The 

b p  hopes  no  private  consideration  or  view  will  obstruct 

that  unanimity  which  is  necessary  to  render  the  place  of  divine 
worship  decent.  The  altar  is  at  present  too  low ;  there  should 
be  an  ascent  of  two  or  three  steps.  The  window  behind  the 
altar  is  improper  ;  -two  side  ones  would  answer  better.  The 
people  come  too  near  the  altar  during  mass.  That  most  sacred 
part  of  the  house  of  God  suggests  a  more  respectful  distance  ; 
a  rail  on  this  account  is  necessary.  Holy  water  stones  at  each 
door  inside  are  wanting. 

P.  J.  PLUNKET. 

3.  Killiagh. — Visitation  remarks,  6th  of  July,  1780. 

1.  The  chapel  tolerably  well,  except  the  altar-step,  which 
wants  reparation,   and  the  floor,  which  might  easily  be  made 
smoother   and   more   even  by  the  removal  of  some   pointed 
stones,  and  by  the   levelling   of  some  parts  of  the  ground. 
Some  panes  of  glass  appeared  broken. 

2.  On  the  parish  chalice,  immediately  before  the  present  in- 
scription,  the  following  words  to  be  inscribed : — Parochice  de 
Killiagh  dedit  D.  D.  Joan  Farely,  Doctor  Sorbffnicus.     The  same 
words  to  be  inscribed  on  the  parish  pixis.      In  general,  it  is  to 
be  wished  that  Eev.  Mr.  Bartholomew  O'Reilly  mark  down  in 
in  writing,  in  some  book  that  is  to  come  into  the  hands  of  his 
successor,  the  particular  vestments,  books,  or  other  articles  he 
intends  to  give  to  the  parish. 

3.  The  purificatories  neither  large  enough,  nor  clean  enough, 
nor  properly  folded.      The  two  sides  should  be  turned  in  so  as 
to   meet  in  the  middle,  and,  thus  doubled,  to  be  folded  up 
together  lengthwise.      The  pixis  should  be  wrapped  up  imme- 
diately in  a  small  corporal  or  purificatory,    that   should  be 
always  very  clean.    A  wooden  desk  wanting  to  raise  the  missal 
on  the  altar.      The  crucifix  on  the  altar  not  the  best  in  the 
world. 

4.  In  the  chapel  of  Kilbride  two  windows  wanting  on  the 
sides,  and  a  larger  one  on  the  gable-end.     The  effect  of  this 
change  would  be,  not  only  more  light,  but  also  less  moisture 
and  damp  withinside.     The  picture  of  Christ  crucified  would 
look  better  over  the  altar  than  at  the  side. 

6.  A  more  numerous  congregation  on  the  day  of  the  visita- 


30  THE   BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DK.    PLUNKET. 

tion  would  have  edified.  It  would  also  have  been  edifying  to 
see  some  communicants  on  that  day,  as  it  was  the  last  of  an 
octave  that  had  a  plenary  indulgence  annexed  to  it. 

6.  Those  that  were  confirmed  answered  very  well,  when  exa- 
mined on  the  Christian  doctrine,  and  gave  most  particular  satisfac- 
tion by  proving  the  zeal  of  their  pastor.    Many  others  answered 
well  also  ;  it  was  a  pity  they  had  not  been  at  confession  either 
that  morning  or  the  day  before  ;  hence  they  could  not  be  con- 
firmed.     The  very  few  that  did  not  answer  well  would  have 
answered  better  had  they  not  been  half  frightened  out  of  their 
wits  by  the  formidable  sound  of  Father  Bartle's  thundering 
voice. 

7.  The  bishop  was  happy  to  find  that  there  was  no  scandal, 
no  rebellion  against  the  laws  of  the  Church  to  be  inveighed 
against  by  him,  no  rioters,  no  drunkards  to  be  glanced  at. 

The  bishop  requests  the  pastor  will  transcribe  the  above  re- 
marks, and  send  him  back  the  original  by  the  first  opportunity. 
Eleven  confirmed. 

P.  J.  PLUNKET. 


4.  Castlepollard. —  Visitation  remarks,  9th  of  July,  1780, 

None  confirmed,  because  none  were  prepared. 

1.  A  committee  to  be  formed  of  some  of  the  principal  in- 
habitants to  represent  the  parish,  to  determine  the  contribu- 
tion of  each  house  towards  the  repairs  and  further  embellishment 
of  the  chapel,  and  to  collect  said  contribution.      It  would  be  a 
pity  that  a  place  of  divine  worship  so  susceptible  of  improve- 
ment were  not  improved  in  a  manner  worthy  of  so  respectable 
a  congregation. 

2.  The  chalices  to  have  inscribed  upon  them  the  name  of  the 
paiish  and  of  the  benefactor,  if  known.     The  same  to  be  said 
of  the  pixis  belonging  to  the  parish  ;  and  in  general  a  register 
should  be  kept  of  every  article  that  is  the  property  of  the 
parish. 

3.  Half-a-dozen  purificatories  and  as  many  corporals  are  not 
too  great  a  number  for  the  united  parishes.     The  pixis  always 
to  be  wrapped  up  in  a  clean  purificatory  or  small  corporal. 

4.  The  children  in  general  did  not  know  the  catechism  well; 
they  seemed  not  to  understand  what  they  were  saying.     The 
schoolmasters  in  general,  even  when  assiduous,  have  not  the 


THE   BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET.  31 

method  of  making  the  elements  of  our  holy  religion  plain  and 
easy  ;  the  pastor  must  finish  what  they  begin  ;  his  own  regular 
attendance  every  Sunday  and  holiday  at  stated  hours  is  the 
only  thing  that  can  give  consequence  to  the  duty  of  instructing 
children,  command  their  respect  and  attention,  and  excite  their 
emulation.  Gentleness  and  mildness  are  preferable  to  harsh- 
ness. Instruction  should,  if  possible,  be  rendered  agreeable  by 
soothing  and  winning  language.  I  never  would,  when  instruct- 
ing children  in  the  Christian  doctrine,  make  use  of  a  rod  or 
stick  ;  the  indolent  and  lazy  I  would  deliver  up  into  lay  hands. 
The  ministers  of  the  God  of  peace  are  allowed  no  other  arms 
than  those  of  advice,  remonstrance,  and  persuasion.  If  by 
these  arts  we  cannot  prevail,  no  imputation  lies  at  our  door ; 
we  have  done  our  duty.  St.  Francis  of  Sales  preferred  one 
dove  to  an  hundred  serpents. 

5.  The  Council  of  Trent  orders  that  every  pastor  of  souls 
address  an  instruction  to  his  flock  every  Sunday  and  principal 
festival  of  the  year.     The  gospel  and  epistle  of  the  day,  and 
the  particular  abuses  of  the  parish,  will  always  furnish  abundant 
matter  of  familiar  exhortation.    Were  I  to  say  but  three  words, 
I  would  turn  about  to  the  people,  every  Sunday  and  holiday, 
and  would  say  these  three  words. 

6.  It  is  desirable  that  on  Sundays  and  holidays  some  pious 
exercise,   such   as  the  singing   of  hymns,  be  introduced  and 
assisted  at  by  the  pastor  or  his  curate. 

P.  J.  PLUNKET. 

5.  Mayne. — Visitation  remarks,  Tuesday,  Wth  July,  1780. 

Nine  confirmed. 

1.  The  altar-linen  of  the  parish  wants  to  be  renewed.  One 
side  of  one  of  the  chasubles  torn  and  absolutely  unfit  for  use  ; 
it  is  the  black  side.  One  of  the  altar-stones  unfit  for  use.  The 
missals  old,  and  want  many  of  the  new  saints.  A  desk,  to 
raise  the  book  on  the  altar,  requisite.  Half-a-dozen  purifica- 
tories  and  almost  as  many  corporals  are  not  too  many  for  two 
stations.  One  of  the  chasubles  very  dirty  ;  it  must  appear  in- 
decent at  the  altar.  Two  pewter  chalices  impaired  and  black 
with  dirt ;  not  honourable  to  any  congregation ;  absolutely 
unfit  for  use,  and  therefore  to  be  suppressed  as  soon  as  possible. 
Holy  water  stones  to  be  fixed  at  the  principal  doors  inside. 


32  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

2.  Many  children  ignorant  of  the  Christian  doctrine,  ana 
these  sufficiently  advanced  in  years  to  be  instructed.     Many 
children  never  have  been  at  confession,   although  they  have 
more  than  attained  the  age  of  discretion.    The  catechism  to  be 
taught  every  Sunday  and  holiday  by  the  pastor  himself.     No  other 
person  can  habitually  supply  his  place  ;  no  other  person  can 
give  proper  consequence  to  this  part  of  pastoral  instruction. 

3.  The  Council   of  Trent  commands  that  exhortations,  or 
familiar  instructions,  be  addressed  to  the  people  on  every  Sun- 
day and  principal  feast  of  the  year ;  ordered  in  consequence. 
This  duty  must  ever  be  considered  as  indispensable  ;  the  faith- 
ful discharge  of  the  duty  is  absolutely  necessary  to  banish 
ignorance  and  superstition  from  among  the  people.    The  gospel 
or  epistle  of  the  day,  or  the  abuses  that  prevail  in  the  flock,  will 
always  furnish  abundant  matter  of  discourse  to  the  pastor. 

4.  The  Gospel  of  St.  John  not  to  be  read  after  the  admini- 
stration of  the  sacrament  of  baptism,  because  it  induces  the 
uninstructed  part  of  the  flock  to  think  improperly  of  the  effi- 
cacy of  the  sacrament.      Maledictions  from  the  altar  are  too 
awful  to  be  made  use  of,    except  upon   most  extraordinary 
occasions,  when  all  the  rigour  of  ecclesiastical  authority  is  to 
be  exerted  by  the  bishop's  direction. 

5.  The  property  of  the  pixis  to  be  ascertained      If  it  belong 
to  the  parish,  the  name  of  the  parish  to  be  inscribed  upon  it 
without  delay.      And  in  general,  the  pastor  should  have  a 
register  of  every  article  belonging  to  the  parish.     Rev.  Mr. 
Fanning  shewed  me  no  register  of  births,  deaths,  or  marriages ; 
this  is  indispensably  requisite.    The  pixis  always  to  be  wrapped 
up  in  a  clean  little  corporal  or  purificatory. 

P.  J.  PLUNKET. 

6.  Fore. — Visitation  remarks,  I6th  July,  1780. 
Sixty-two  confirmed. 

1.  The  neighbourhood  of  the  altar  not  entirely  disengaged 
from  lumber ;  light  wanting  in  that  part  of  the  chapel  that 
fronts  the  altar.  The  other  part  under  the  gallery  is  too  con- 
fined and  narrow  to  be  a  place  of  interment :  it  would  be  meri- 
torious for  the  family  that  turn  it  to  that  use  to  sacrifice  pri 
vate  claims  of  no  consequence  to  the  wishes,  health,  and 
satisfaction  of  the  public.  The  moisture  about  the  altar  should, 
if  possible,  be  prevented. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  33 

2.  The  bishop  was  surprised  to  find  no  vestments  in  the  chapel 
of  Fore  that  belonged  to  the  parish. 

3.  The  chalice  of  Collinstown  to  have  inscribed  the  name  of 
the  parish.     Every  article  of  any  value  belonging  to  either  of 
the  two  stations  to  be  registered  in  some  book  that  may  come 
into  the  hands  of  the  present  incumbent's  successor.     Half-a- 
dozen  purificatories  and  as  many  corporals  are  little  enough  for 
two  altars. 

4.  The  missals  want  several  new  feasts  ;  these  must  be  sup- 
plied, or  at  least  one  of  the  new  missals,  lately  printed  in  Dub- 
lin, is  to  be  purchased  for  the  use  of  the  parish.     The  parish, 
pixis  to  have  inscribed  the  name  of  the  parish,  and  of  the  donor, 
if  known.   The  boxes  in  which  the  vestments  are  kept  require  to 
be  lined  with  paper.     The  pixis  always  to  be  kept  wrapped  up 
in  a  small  corporal  or  purificatory. 

5.  The  bishop  was  greatly  edified  at  the  number  of  children 
he  found  prepared  for  confirmation,  by  their  knowledge  of  the 
catechism.     Some  of  them,  however,  seemed  to  answer  like 
parrots,  and  could  not  answer  when  questioned  out  of  their 
ordinary  course.     It  is  of  great  consequence  that  they  answer 
from  knowledge  and  not  from  rote;  for   which  reason  they 
should  be  cross-questioned,  when  they  are-  taught  the  elements 
of  our  holy  religion.     Some  of  the  children  were  not  as  silent, 
and  recollected  as  they  ought  to  be,  during  the  ceremony.  Some 
of  the  people  did  not  scruple  to  speak  loud  in  the  chapel,  and 
seemed   strangers  to  the  respect  due   to  the  place  of  divine 
worship. 

6.  The  custom  that  prevails  among  the  women  of  shouting 
and  groaning  at   every  word  the  priest  says  with   emphasis 
ought  to  be  removed  ;  devout  silence  and  respectful  attention 
would  be  more  proper  for  preserving  the  impressions  made  by 
the  word  of  God. 

These  remarks  to  be  transcribed,  and  the  copy  returned  as 
soon  as  possible. 

P.  J.  PLUNKET. 

7.  The  Gospel  of  St.  John  not  to  be  read  after  the  adminis- 
tration of  the  sacrament  of  baptism,  because  the  ignorant  are 
thereby  induced  to  think  that  the  sacrament  is  not  efficacious 
without  it. 

P.  J.  P. 
D 


34  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 


7.  Castletown-Delvin. — Visitation  remarks,   18th  July, 

1780. 

Eighty-thre'e  confirmed. 

1.  The  bishop  was  much  edified  at  the  number  of  young 
people  who  knew  the  essential  parts  of  the  Christian  doctrine. 
He  was  not  less  so  at  the  pains  and  zeal  with  which  the  pastor 
undertook   to  rebuild  the  chapel  of   Castletown-Delvin ;  and 
hopes  that  the  like  pains  and  zeal  will,  when  circumstances  per- 
mit, be  extended  to  the  chapel  of  Killuolagh. 

2.  A  new  missal  is  wanting,  on  account  of  the  great  number 
of  new  feasts  not  to  be  found  in  the  old  missals. 

3.  Burses  for  keeping  the  corporals  requisite  to  complete  the 
vestments.     The  portable  vestment  of  Killuolagh  stands  in  need 
of  immediate  reparation.     New  black  side  absolutely  wanting. 

4.  Corporals  and  purificatories  should  ever  be  clean,  whether 
they  are  used  at  the  altar  or  serve  to  envelop  the  pixis. 

5.  It  were  to  be  wished  that  the  pastor  marked  down  in  a 
book  that  would  come  into  the  hands  of  his  successor  every 
article  belonging  to  the  parish .  and  every  article  he  himself 
intended  to  leave  to  it. 

G.  It  appeared  that  the  people  were  in  general  unacquainted 
with  the  respect  due  to  the  house  of  God ;  for  they  spoke  and 
were  otherwise  very  dissipated  during  Mass  and  the  ceremony. 
No  kind  of  noise  or  profane  conversation  should  ever  be  con- 
nived at  in  the  chapel. 

7.  The  Council  of  Trent  ordains  that  the  people  be  instructed, 
every  Sunday  and  principal  festival  day,  in  the  great  duties  of 
religion.     Were  there  leisure  for  no  more  than  three  words, 
these  three  words  should  be  addressed  to  them  ;  nothing  else 
will  totally  banish  ignorance  and  superstition. 

8.  No  pecuniary  mulcts  to  be  imposed  on  any  account,  in 
order  to  prevent  any  imputation  of  avarice. 

9.  As  the  pastor  himself  is  the  only  person  that  can  effica- 
ciously excite  emulation  among  children,  and  engage  them  by 
his  own  presence  to  pay  the  proper  attention  to  the  catechism, 
it  is  of  the  greatest  consequence  that  he  perform  the  duty  of 
catechizing  regularly,  at  stated  hours,  every  Sunday  and  holiday. 

10.  A  crucifix  wanting  at  the  chapel  of  Killuolagh. 

P.  J.  PLUNKET. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  35 


8.  Killallon. —  Visitation  remarks,  20th  July,  1780. 
Eighteen  confirmed. 

1.  The  altar  of  the  new  chapel  is  absolutely  too  high,  and 
should,  if  possible,  be  lowered,  or  the  altar  -step  be  raised  some- 
what higher.     In  its  present  situation,  the  functions  performed 
thereat  must  appear  awkward  to  the  congregation. 

2.  One  of  the  new  missals,  printed  lately  in  Dublin,  wanting, 
because  a  great  many  new  feasts  are  not  to  be  found  in  the  old 
missals.  Custom  and  conveniency  suggest  the  necessity  of  raising 
the  book  by  means  of  a  desk,  or  otherwise. 

3.  The  red  vestment  stands  in  need  of  reparation,  especially 
in  the  forepart.     That  vestment  or  another  has  holes  on  the 
back,  which  are  indecent  and  should  be  mended.     A  suit  of 
vestments  is  not  complete  without  a  burse  for  the  corporals. 
This  part  we  are  not  authorized  to  lay  aside.     Attention  to  the 
sacred  dress  and  to  every  part  of  the  exterior  worship  is  of 
great  consequence.     Neglect  in  this  particular  is  apt  to  induce 
a  belief  among  the  people  that  the  ministers  of  our  holy  religion 
have  not  divine  service  sufficiently  at  heart. 

4.  Half-a-dozen  corporals  and  as  many  purificatories  are  not 
too  great  a  number  for  a  pastor  and  his  curate,  whether  they 
serve  on  the  altar  or  be  employed  to  envelop  the  pixis,  which 
should  never  be  put  up  without  this  consecrated  linen  about 
it ;  they  should  always  be  clean.     Dirt  in  any  part  of  the  house 
of  God  is  odious,  but  especially  near  the  altar. 

5.  The  chalices  should  have  the  name  of  the  parish  inscribed 
upon  them,  to  prevent  the  alienation  of  them  and  all  confusion 
hereafter ;  and,  in  general,  the  pastor  should  keep  a  register  of 
every  article  that  belongs  to  the  chapel,  and  this  register  should 
be  such  an  one  as  would  pass  to  his  successor. 

6.  Although  such  as  were  confirmed  seemed  to  know  the 
catechism  pretty  well,  some,  old  enough  to  learn,  did  know  it 
very  indifferently.     It  was  not  edifying  that  confirmation  was 
limited  to  one  sex  ;  at  least  some  of  the  others  ought  to  have 
been  prepared  by  confession  and  otherwise.     The  pastor  is  the 
person  that  can  best  excite  the  attention  of  young  people  to  the 
Christian  doctrine  and  give  consequence  to  catechetical  instruc- 
tion.    It  is  therefore  his  duty  to  assist  himself  personally  and 
discharge  this  important  trust  himself. 

7.  The  Council  of  Trent  expressly  orders  that  the  pastor,  by 


3G  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

himself  or  otherwise,  exhort  his  flock  every  Sunday  and 
principal  feast  of  the  year.  The  reigning  abuses  and  the  great 
practical  truths  of  religion  will  furnish  abundant  matter  of 
familiar  instruction.  Nothing  else  can  banish  ignorance  and 
superstition  from  among  the  people  ;  wherefore  this  part  of 
pastoral  duty  must  ever  be  considered  as  indispensable. 

8.  The  Gospel  of  St.  John  not  to  be  read  after  the  adminis- 
tration of  the  sacrament  of  baptism,  because  this  practice  leads 
the  ignorant  to  think  improperly  of  the  sacrament. 

9.  The  people  spoke  a  great  deal  in  the  chapel,  and  were 
otherwise  dissipated  in  the  house  of  God  during  the  ceremony, 
and  thereby  seemed  unacquainted  with  the  respect  due  to  a 
holy  place. 

P.  J.  PLUNKET. 

9.  Athboy.  Patron,  St.  James. — Visitation  remarks,  23rd 
of  July,  1780. 

Three   confirmed. 

1.  One  of  the  new  Dublin  missals  wanting  on  account  of  the 
great  number  of  new  feasts  not  to  be  found  in  the  old  missals. 

2.  A  suit  of  vestments  not  complete  without  burses  to  hold 
the  corporals.     No  individual  can  strike  off  this  part  of  the 
sacred  vestments. 

3.  The   purificatori.es,  whether  they   serve   at  the  altar  or 
envelop  the  pixis,  should  be  as  white  and  clean  as  possible,  and 
for  that  reason  should  never  be  used  more  than  a  month  at  a 
time,  lest  they  should  contract  indelible  spots,  which  is  but  too 
often  the   case.     The  corporals,  to  answer  their  destination, 
besides  being  always  extremely  clean,  should  be  stiffened  with 
starch,  in  order  to  be  the  more  easily  purified  at  Mass.    Nothing 
torn  or  broken  should  ever  be  employed  at  the  altar. 

4.  The  chasubles  ought  to  have  strings  to  make  them  sit 
tight  on  the  priest. 

5.  The  bishop  was  scandalized  that  no  person  on  the  day  of 
the  visitation  was  prepared  for  the  sacrament  of  confirmation. 

6.  He  was  scandalized  that,  after  having  given  a  second  day 
for  conferring  that  sacrament,  none  appeared  ready  but  three, 
one  or  two  of  whom  were  strangers. 

7.  He  was  still  more  scandalized  at  the  great  ignorance  of 
the  generality  of  those  whom  he  examined. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  37 

8-  He  was  scandalized  to  find  so  many   grown-up  young 
people,  of  both  sexes,  who  had  never  been  at  confession. 

9.  He  was  scandalized  to  hear  the  few  who  knew  the  cate- 
chism tolerably,  say  openly  that  they  had  been  at  the  chapel 
on  the  eve,  found  it  shut,  and  could  not  go  to  confession.     On 
such  an  occasion,  especially  in  summer,  the  house  of  God  should 
have  been  open.     The  pastor  should  have  taken  care  that  no 
young  person  could  be  disappointed. 

10.  The  ignoran'ce  of  the  essential  parts  of  our  holy  religion 
is  most  dangerous  at  the  age  of  discretion  between  good  and 
evil :  "  qui  ignorat  ignorabitur."     Neither  clerk  nor  schoolmaster 
are  in  such  case   the  responsible  persons.     The  pastor  alone 
must  answer  at  the  last  day  :  "  animam  ejus  requiram  de  manu 
faa."     To  form  the  tender  souls  of  young  people  to  virtue  by  in- 
stilling the  saving  knowledge  of  our  holy  mysteries  and  religious 
truths  is  one  of  the  noblest  of  the  sacerdotal  functions.     This 
duty  to  be  efficacious  must  be  regularly  and  constantly  per- 
formed by  the  pastor  himself  on  Sundays  and  holidays. 

11.  The  Council  of  Trent  ordains  that  on.  every  Sunday  and 
principal  holiday  the  pastor  address  an  instruction  to  the  flock. 
A  familiarexplicatiou  of  the  gospel  or  epistle,  or  proper  ani- 
madversions on  the  prevailing  abuses,  will  furnish  sufficient 
exhortation.      Though  there  were  leisure  but  for  three  words, 
these  three  words  should  be  uttered  by  the  minister  of  Jesus 
Christ. 

12.  Chalices,  pixis,   &c.,  should  have  inscribed  the  name  of 
the  parish  ;  and  in  general  every  article  belonging  to  the  parish 
should  be  registered  in  a  book  that  is  to  come  into  the  hands 
of  the  pastor's  successor.    This  is  an  easy  method  of  preventing 
the  loss  or  alienation  of  what  belongs  to  the  church. 

13.  In  a  town  like  Athboy  it  were  to  be  wished  that  the 
most  effectual  means  were  employed  to  render  the  divine  ser- 
vice decent  and  inviting  to  the  nock.     Daily  Mass  at  a  fixed 
hour,  vespers  or  singing  of  hymns  ;  two  boys  serving  Mass  in 
surplices  on  Sundays  and  holidays  would  greatly  promote  this 
important  end. 

These  remarks  to  be  transcribed,  and  the  original  to  be  re- 
turned to  the  bishop  by  the  earliest  opportunity. 

P.  J.  PLUNKET. 


38  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DE.  PLUNKET. 


10.  Turin. — Visitation  remarks,  1st  August,  1780. 

Ten  confirmed  ;  six  boys  and  four  girls. 

1.  A  universal  appearance  of  pastoral  neglect. 
>  2.  The  altar-linen  too  dirty  to  be  applied  even  to  the  most 
common  uses. 

3.  Corporal  and  purificatory  scandalously  dirty  ! 
.  4.  Alb  torn,   cincture  broken,  as  if  pastor  studied  to  bring 
our  worship  into  contempt. 

5.  The  spiritual  temples  of  the  living  God  as  much  neglected 
as  the  material  one.      Great  ignorance  of  the  essential  truths 
of  religion,    especially   among   the    young   people  :    "  parvuli 
petierunt  panem  et  non  erat  quifrangeret  eis."     If  the  pastor  pro- 
claimed the  episcopal  visitation,  he  was  not  much  attended  to; 
the  congregation  was  shamefully  thin  for  such  an  occasion. 

6.  A  silver  chalice  suffered  to  grow  black  for  want  of  being 
now  and  then  rubbed. 

.  7.  Every  face  seemed  to  wear  visible  marks  of  dissatisfaction 
at  the  pastor's  unpastoral  conduct. 

P.  J.  PLUNKET. 

11.  Multifernan. — Visitation  remarks,  3rd  August,  1780. 

Twelve  confirmed. 

1.  The  new  feasts  to  be  purchased  and  inserted  in  the  old 
missals,  or  one  of  the  new  Dublin  missals  to  be  procured. 

2.  A  suit  of  vestments  cannot  be  deemed  complete  without 
a  burse  for  holding  the  corporals.     Every  chasuble  should  have 
strings  on  the  forepart  inside  to  make  it  sit  tight  on  the  priest. 

3.  The  purificatory  or  corporal  that  serves  to  envelop  the 
pixis  should  ever  be  clean. 

4.  A  plate  held  under  the  priest's  hands  when  he  washes 
would  keep  the  place  about  the  altar  dry.     There  should  be 
always  three  linen  cloths  over  the  altar-stone. 

5.  To  prevent  confusion  and  altercation  hereafter,  the  pixis 
now  made  use  of  by  the  pastor  should  have  an  inscription  de- 
noting to  whom  it  belongs.     In  general  every  article  belonging 
to  the  parish  should  be  registered  in  a  book  that  is  likely  to 
come  into  the  hands  of  the  future  pastors. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  39 

6.  The  bishop  was  not  edified  to  see  the  congregation  so 
small. 

7.  He  was  not  edified  to  see  so  very  few  prepared  for  con- 
firmation. 

8.  He   was  not   edified  to  see  the  children,  although  the 
number  that  appeared  in  the  chapel  was  very  small,  so  ignorant 
of  the  essential  truths  of  religion, 

9.  He  was  not  edified  at  seeing  some  boys  and  girls  of  the 
age  of  twelve,    and   thereabout,  who  had  never  been  at  con- 
fession. 

10.  He  was  not  edified  when  he  remarked  that  the  greater 
number  of  the  young  people  who  had  been  admitted  to  confes- 
sion  the  morning  of  the  visitation  seemed  strangers  to  the 
conditions  requisite  for  making  a  good  confession. 

11.  The  parish  clerk  or  schoolmaster  may  begin  the  work  of 
catechetical  instruction,  but  it  belongs  to  the  pastor  alone  to 
carry  it  on  and  finish  it  with  success.      This  truly  great  busi- 
ness will  never  appear  important  enough  to  young  people  un- 
less they  hear  and  see  the  pastor  himself  teach  the  Christian 
doctrine  every  Sunday  and  holiday  at  stated  hours.      To  form 
the  tender  souls  of  young  people  to  virtue,  by  instilling  the 
saving  truths  and  maxims  of  our  holy  religion,  is  one  of  the 
noblest  functions  of  the  priesthood ;  it  would  be  a  pity  to  sur- 
render it  up  to  the  laity.     Were  we  inclined  .to  do  so,  we  can- 
not without  inevitable  danger  to  ourselves ;  we  are  to  be  the 
responsible  persons  at  the  last  day  :  "  animam  ejus  requiram  de 
manu  tua." 

12.  The  Council  of  Trent  ordains  that  each  pastor  every 
Sunday   and  principal  holiday  address  an  instruction  to  his 
flock.      The  epistle  and  gospel  explained,  and  the  prevailing 
abuses  of  the  parish  will  always  furnish  abundant  matter  of 
familiar   instruction — the   fittest   in   general   for   the   people. 
Nothing  short  of  regular  constant  instruction  and  exhortation 
can  banish  from  among  them  superstition,  ignorance,  and  vice. 

13.  Every  little  practicable  method  to  be  employed  for  pro- 
moting the  decency  of  our  worship  :  "  Domine  delexi  decorem 
domus  tuce." 

These  remarks  to  be  transcribed,  and  the  original  to  be  re- 
turned by  the  earliest  opportunity. 

P.  J.  PLUNKET. 


40  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DE.  PLUNKET. 


12.  Dysart. — Visitation  remarks,  11th  of  August,  1780. 

Eleven  confirmed. 

1.  The  roof  of  the  chapel  to  be  secured  immediately  where 
it  begins  to  fail,  lest  accidents  should  happen  by  the  overturn- 
ing of  the  prop. 

2.  One  of  the  chasubles  has  a  hole  on  the  back  that  should 
be  immediately  mended.     Strings  should  be  fastened  inside  to 
the  forepart  of  every  chasuble  to  keep  it  even  and  tight  on  the 
priest.      No  suit  of  vestments  is  complete  without  a  burse  for 
holding  the  corporal.      Individuals  have  no  authority  to  lay 
aside  this  part  of  the  sacred  vestment. 

A  small  desk  wanting  to  raise  the  missal  on  the  altar.  A 
plate  held  under  the  priest's  hands,  when  he  washes  them, 
would  keep  the  altar-step  dry. 

4.  The  bishop  was  not  edified  at  seeing  so  small  a  congrega- 
tion ;  he  could  not  but  be  sorry  to  see  so  little  respect  paid  to 
the  voice  of  the  pastor,  who  published  the  day  of  the  visitation. 

5.  He  was  sorry  to  find  the  young  people  in  general  so  ill- 
instructed  in  the  essential  parts  of  the  Christian  doctrine. 

6.  He  was  scandalized  that  no  early  precaution  had  been 
taken,  either  on  the  eve  or  the  morning  of  the  visitation,  to 
prepare  the  children  for  confirmation,  by  confession  and  other- 
wise. 

7.  When  the  pastor  enjoys  his  health,  he  must  not  throw 
upon  a  clerk  or  schoolmaster  the  great  business  of  teaching  the 
catechism.      A  clerk  or  schoolmaster  may  begin  the  work  ;  it 
belongs  to  the  pastor  to  finish  and  perfect  it.     This  is  one  of 
the  noblest  of  the  sacerdotal  functions.     If  any  of  the  flock  die 
in  ignorance  of  the  saving  truths  of  religion,  the  pastor  is  the 
person  to  answer:    "  animam  ejus  requiram  de  manu  tua."    If 
they  do  not  come  to  the  instructions  given  by  the  pastor  in  the 
catechism  (which  should  be  given  every  Sunday  and  holiday  at 
stated  hours),    the   pastor  must  go  in  search  of  the  strayed 
sheep,  and  oblige  them  to  attend  to  the  care  of  their  own  souls. 

8.  The  Council  of  Trent  ordains  that  every  pastor  address  on 
every  Sunday  and  principal  feast  of  the  year  an  instruction  to 
his  flock.      The  prevailing  abuses  of  the  parish,  the  gospel  or 
epistle  expounded,  will  furnish  abundant  matter  of  familiar  ex- 
hortation.     Nothing  short  of  this  constant,  regular,  habitual 


THE   BISHOPS  OF   MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET.  41 

instruction  can  banish  ignorance  and  superstition  from  among 
the  flock.  When  the  pastor  is  not  sick,  this  duty  must  ever  be 
considered  as  indispensable. 

P.  J.  PLUNKET. 

13,   Churchtown  and  Rathcondra. — Visitation  remarks, 
15th  August,  1780. 

Sixteen  confirmed. 

1.  Decency  absolutely  requires  some  kind  of  an  altar  better 
than  the  present  one  at  Emper. 

2.  The  old  black  pewter  chalice  is  too  bad  and  filthy  to  be 
made  use  of. 

3.  Half-a-dozen  corporals  and  as  many  purificatories  are  not 
too  many  for  two  stations.      These  parts  of  the  sacred  linen, 
whether  they  serve  on  the  altar  or  envelop  the  pixis,  should 
ever  be  white  and  spotless.      The  other  linen  should  also  be 
clean  in  proportion,  and  never  be  suffered  to  continue  torn  or 
impaired. 

4.  A  suit  of  vestments  _is  not  complete  without  a  burse  for 
holding  the  corporal.      No  individual  has  power  to  lay  aside 
this  part  of  the  vestments.     The  chasuble  should  have  strings 
fastened  to  the  forepart  inside  to  keep  it  tight  and  steady  on 
the  priest.      One  of  the  parish  chasubles  would  be  more  com- 
plete had  it  a  cross  on  the  back. 

5.  One  or  two  of  the  new  Dublin  missals  wanting  on  account 
of  the  number  of  new  feasts  not  to  be  found  in  the  old  ones. 

6.  Holy  water  stones  should  be  placed  at  the  doors  of  the 
chapel  inside,  and  the  people  thereby  accustomed  to  take  holy 
water  as  they  enter. 

7.  The  bishop  expected  to  find  the  young  people  prepared 
for  confirmation,  and  by  a  more  perfect  knowledge  of  the  Chris- 
tian  doctrine.      Although  some  answered  tolerably,  yet  many 
3mow  not  the  essential  parts  of  our  holy  religion,  and  these 
sufficiently  advanced  in  years  to  be  well  informed. 

8.  A  schoolmaster  or  clerk  is  useful  in  assisting  to  teach  the 
catechism ;   but  the  whole  work  must  not  be  abandoned  to  a 
layman ;  it  is  one  of  the  noblest  of  the  sacerdotal  functions ;  the 
pastor  must  be  zealous  of  performing  it  himself  every  Sunday 
and  holiday  at  regular  hours.      Ignorance  of  the  saving  truths 
of  religion  may  be  a  cause  of  damnation.     Who  but  the  pastor 


42  THE   BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DR.    PLUNKET. 

is  to  answer  to  the  living  God  at  the  last  day  1  "  animam  ejus 
requiram  de  manu  tua."  If  children  come  not  to  us,  it  is  our 
duty  to  go  to  them. 

9.  The  Council  of  Trent  ordains  that  on  every  Sunday  and 
principal  festival  the  pastor  address  an  instruction  to  his  flock. 
The  prevailing  abuses,  the  gospel  or  epistle  explained,  will  fur- 
nish sufficient  matter  of  familiar  exhortation.     Nothing  short 
of  constant  and  regular  instruction  can  restrain  vice  and  banish 
ignorance  and  superstition  among  the  people.      This  capital 
part  of  pastoral  duty  must  ever  be  considered  as  indispensable. 
Though  the  pastor  had  leisure  to  say  but  three  words,  he  should 
never  on  a  Sunday  or  holiday  omit  saying  these  three  words. 

10.  Altar-cards  wanting,  that  the  priest  may  say  the  credo, 
last  gospel,   &c.,  without  a  mistake.      They   can   be   had  in 
Dublin  for  nineteen-pence  halfpenny. 

11.  Every  article  that  belongs  to  the  parish  and  can  bear  an 
inscription  should  have  the  name  of  the  parish  inscribed  on  it ; 
and  in  general  everything  belonging  to  the  parish  should  be 
registered  in  a  book  that  is  to  come  into  the  hands  of  the  future 
pastors. 

12.  The  register  of  births,  marriages,  and  deaths,  should  be 
a  book,  or  three  distinct  books  bound,  and  written  cleanly  and 
legibly,  and  kept  with  care. 

13.  A  little  desk  wanting  to  raise  the  book  on  the  altar. 

P.  J.  PLUNKET. 

14.  Kill  and  Tubber. —  Visitation  remarlcs,  24^/i  August, 
1780  ;  Rev.  P.  Macnamee,  Pastor. 

Twenty-two  confirmed. 

1.  New,  decent  purificatories  wanting,  and  corporals.     These, 
whether  they  serve  at  the  altar  or  envelop  the  pixis,  ought  to 
be  Avhite  and  spotless,  and,   therefore,  should   be   frequently 
washed. 

2.  A  vestment  is  not  complete  without  a  burse  to  hold  the 
corporal.     No  individual  has  power  to  strike  off  this  part  of  the 
sacred  vestments.     Every  chasuble  should  have  strings  fastened 
to  the  forepart  inside  to  keep  it  tight  and  steady. 

3.  A  new  missal  wanting  on  account  of  the  number  of  feasts 
not  to  be  found  in  the  old  ones.     A  new  quarto  edition  was 
published  last  year  in  Dublin. 


THE   BISHOPS   OF  MEATH — DE.   PLUNKET.  43 

4.  The  congregation  was  very  thin  for  such  an  occasion. 

5.  Chalices,  pixis,  and  oilstocks  that  belong  to  the  parish  to 
have  the  name  of  the  parish  inscribed  upon  them ;    and   in 
general  every  article  that  belongs  to  the  parish  ought  to  be 
registered  in  a  book  that  is  to  come  into  the  hands  of  the  future 
pastor. 

6.  Altar-cards  to  be  made  use  of,  that  the  priest  may  say  the 
credo,  last  gospel,  &c.,  imperturbably. 

7.  Every  clergyman  should  aim  at  a  slow,  firm,  and  distinct 
manner  of  utterance ;  a  rapid,  precipitate,  jumbled  pronuncia- 
tion is  not  decent  at  the  altar. 

8.  The  children  appeared  ill-instructed  in  the  principles  of 
their  religion.     Schoolmasters  may  assist  in  teaching  the  Chris- 
tian doctrine ;  but  the  function  is  too  great  and  holy  to  be  sur- 
rendered to  the  laity ;   it  is  one  of  the  most  important  of  the 
the  priesthood,   and  should  be  performed  every  Sunday  and 
holiday  at  stated  hours.     Some  grown-up  persons  did  not  know 
what  the  sacrament  of  penance  is,  although  they  had  been  often 
admitted  to  it. 

9.  The  Council   of  Trent   orders  that  pastors  exhort  their 
flocks  every  Sunday  and  principal  festival.      Pains  must  be 
taken  to  perform  this  duty  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  people. 
An  incorrect,   blundering,  immethodical  mannner  of  speaking 
must  with  greatest  care  be  avoided,  lest  we  do  more  harm  than 
good.      To  speak  properly  is  an  art ;   it  is  to  be  acquired  by 
application  and  attention.     But  habitual,  regular  instruction  is 
the  only  means  of  banishing  ignorance  and  superstition  from 
among  the  people.      Practice  and  pains,  supported  by  a  little 
zeal,  will  render  the  work  easier  and  easier  every  day. 

10.  A  desk  wanting  to  raise  the  book  at  Mass. 

11.  Holy  water  stones  wanting. 

These  remarks  to  be  transcribed,  and  the  original  returned 
to  the  bishop  by  the  earliest  opportunity. 

P.  J.  PLUNKET. 

15.  Kilbride  and  Horseleap. — Visitation  remarks,  27th 
August,  1780. 

Forty  confirmed. 

1.  Half-a-dozen  corporals,  and  a  greater  number  of  purifica- 
tories  are  not  too  many  for  two  stations. 


44  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

2.  A  suit  of  vestments  is  not  complete  without  a  burse  for 
holding  the  corporals.     Every  chasuble  should  have  strings  on 
the  forepart  inside  to  keep  it  tight. 

3.  One  of  the  chalices  should  have  inscribed  the  name  of  the 
parish  to  which  it  belongs.     The  same  to  be  said  of  every  pixis 
and  oilstock  belonging  to  the  parish. 

4.  A  new  missal  wanting,  or  rather  two  of  them  wanting,  and 
a  desk  to  support  them  on  the  altar. 

5.  The  common  vestment  too  bad  on  the  inside,  and  wants  a 
cross. 

6.  The  chapel,  in  its  present  state,  too  small  for  the  congrega- 
tion.    If  it  cannot  be  removed  to  Clara,  it  wants  a  wing.  Win- 
dows also  wanting  on  the  side,  as  well  for  light  as  for  air. 

7.  Every  article  belonging  to  the  chapel  should  be  inscribed 
in  a  book  that  is  to  come  into  the  hands  of  the  future  pastor. 

8.  Rev.  Mr..  Travers  shewed  the  bishop  no  register  of  births, 
marriages,  and  deaths.     Such  a  register  is  indispensably  neces- 
sary. 

9.  Although  many  children  repeated  the  catechism  tolerably, 
yet  it  did  not  appear  that  they  were  well  instructed.     A  clerk 
or  schoolmaster  may  assist  in  teaching ;  but  this  noble  function 
must  not  be  surrendered  up  to  the  laity.     The  pastor  ought  to 
teach  himself  the  saving  truths  of  religion  every  Sunday  and 
holiday,  at  stated  hours  :  "  animam  ejus  requiram  de  manu  tua." 

10.  The  Council  of  Trent  ordains  that  the  pastor  instruct  his 
flock  every  Sunday  and  holiday.     This  capital  branch  of  pas- 
toral duty  must  ever  be  considered  as  indispensable.     Nothing 
short  of  constant  and  regular  instruction  can  banish  ignorance, 
vice,  and  superstition  from  among  the  people. 

11.  Every  practicable  method  of  rendering  our  worship  decent 
and  orderly  to  be  employed  :  "  dilexi  decorem  domus  tuce." 

12.  The  bishop  wishes  Rev.  Mr.   Travers  were  lodged  more 
•decently.     The  public  sometimes  judge  of  us  by  the  place  of  our 
abode. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH  -DE.  PLUNKET.  45 


CHAPTER  Y. 

LETTERS  FROM  THE  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  IRISH  COLLEGE. — 
FROM  THE  ARCHBISHOP  OF  CASHEL. —  FROM  THE  PRESI- 
DENT OF  THE  COLLEGE  OF  DOWAY. CHARACTERISTIC 

LETTER  OF  DR.  PLUNKET,  MENACING  A  PRIEST  WITH  SUS- 
PENSION. 

ON  the  21st  of  August,  1780,  the  Rev.  J.  Marky  writes 
as  follows  from  Paris  : — 

"MY  LORD  AND  MY  MOST  HONOURED  AND  DEAREST  FRIEND, 

"  Your  most  welcome  and  pleasing  letter  of  the  29th  of 
May  has  made  ample  amends,  at  least  in  my  eyes,  for  your  long 
silence,  and  has  justified  the  opinion  I  entertained  all  along,  in 
spite  of  the  strong  appearances  against  me,  of  the  goodness  of 
your  heart,  and  your  remembrance  of  your  friends  on  the  con- 
tinent. JTis  a  circumstance  not  a  little  flattering  to  me  to  have 
been  honoured  with  your  first  favour  from  Ireland,  and,  what 
as  yet  enhances  this  work  of  distinction,  I  am  satisfied  it  pro- 
ceeded as  well  from  yourjlove  and  affection  for  the  Alma  Mater, 
as  from  your  sincere  and  cordial  attachment  to  her  unworthy 
head.  I  sincerely  wish,  for  my  own  sake,  that  you  may  long 
continue  in  these  dispositions.  It  will  be  an  honour  and  a  con- 
solation to  me  to  think  that  I  possess  a  deep  share  in  your  friend- 
ship. As  for  mine  'tis  really  too  poor  and  insignificant  to  offer 
by  way  of  a  return  ;  but  such  as  it  is  you  have  an  undisputed 
claim  to  it ;  and  I  heartily  desire  you  may  put  it  to  the  test.  I 
am  waiting  for  a  trustworthy  messenger  to  send  you  the  work  you 
applied  for,  Avhich  I  request  you  will  accept  from  me  as  the  first 
present  I  have  made  in  quality  of  Prefect  of  the  Community.  If 
I  mistake  not  your  heart,  you  will  be  hard  set  to  get  over  this 
petition.  I  consulted  Dr.  MacMahon,  as  you  directed,  on  Mr. 
Fleming's  disorder.  His  answer  was  that  no  efficacious  specific 
has  been  ever  discovered  in  Paris,  or  elsewhere  that  he  knows, 
against  the  epilepsy,  and  that  all  those  who  pretend  to  have 
found  out  these  sovereign  specifics  are  only  so  many  quacks  and 
impostors.  He  tells  me  the  remedy  most  universally  approved 
of  is  an  infusion  of  wild  valerian  root,  which  is  well  known  in 
Ireland.  He  recommends  him  to  take  two  drams  of  it  every 
morning  fasting,  and  though  he  makes  no  doubt  but  the  patient 


46  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET. 

may  find  ease  and  benefit  by  using  it,  -yet  he  does  not  assure  or 
promise  a  total  cure.  Such,  he  says,  is  the  opinion  and  firm 
persuasion  of  Mr.  Bouvard,  Mr.  Belletete,  Mr.  Tronchin,  and 
the  whole  of  the  faculty  of  Paris.  I  wrote,  about  six  weeks  ago, 
to  Mr.  Nowlan,  praying  him  to  give  me  all  the  information  pos- 
sible about  your  books,  &c. ;  he  has  kept  me  ever  since  in  sus- 
pense, and  I  am  now  as  much  at  a  loss  as  ever.  I  can't  account 
for  his  silence,  the  less  so,  as  he  has  been  always  very  punctual 
in  answering  my  letters.  I  mean  to  write  again  one  of  these 
days,  and,  if  I  have  no  answer,  will  despatch  a  letter  to  the 
American  agent  at  L'Orient,  who  first  recovered  them  out 
of  Paul  Jones's  hands.  You  know  he  is  brother  to  the  Bishop 
of  Kerry.  What  if  you  engaged  Dr.  Moylan  to  write  to 

him  1 Shall  we  ever  have  the  happiness  to  see 

yourself  in  this  part  of  the  world  1  Such  a  visit  would,  indeed, 
be  a  real  feast  for  the  community.  Abbe  Flood  sets  off  in  a  few 
days  for  Cambray,  where  he  is  to  spend  the  remaining  part  of 
the  vacation  with  Canon  Kennedy.  The  President,  Aherne,  and 

Reilly,  from  Brussels,  are  to  be  of  the  party Canon 

Butler,  of  Lille,  has  promised  to  pay  me  a  visit  at  Ivry,  where  I  am 
with  Abbe  Right,  in  daily  expectation  of  his  arrival.  You  have 
heard,  of  course,  that  Abbe  Right  has  taken  up  his  quarters  in. 
the  community,  in  quality  of  pensioner.  He  seems  to  be  quite 
happy ;  methinks  he  deserves  a  letter  from  you.  Abbe  Collins, 
of  Trente-trois,  prayed  me  to  present  you  his  sincerest  respects. 
I  wrote  by  last  post  to  Dr.  Davett,  of  Derry,  informing  him  of 
the  unfortunate  Dr.  Brady's  death,  and  praying  him,  in  the 
name  of  the  superiors  to  engage,  if  possible,  the  clergy  of  Dro- 
more  to  postulate  for  our  worthy  President  of  Doway.  Abbe 
Preston,  from  whom  I  had  a  letter,  a  few  days  ago,  is  very 
desirous  to  have  Mr.  Dixon  called  for.  This  I  mentioned  to  Dr. 
Davett,  and  prayed  him,  in  consequence,  to  join  Mr.  Dixon's 
name  to  the  president's.  The  Abbe  assures  me  that  Rome  is 
determined  to  name  no  coadjutor  to  Armagh,  and  to  leave 
things  in  statu  quo  till  Dr.  Blake  is  gone  to  his  long  home.  If 
this  be  true,  I  don't  despair  of  seeing  yourself  at  the  head  of  our 

National  Church O'Neill  is  still  the  same.  Poor 

Stafford  is  rather  better,  and  in  tolerable  spirits,  especially  since 
the  late  change  which  made  Mr.  Flood  his  coadjutor.  Keleher's 
pipes  go  on  as  merrily  as  ever.  He  and  Mr.  Flood  have  given 
me  the  strongest  and  most  unequivocal  proofs  of  attachment  on 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  47 

tlie  late  occasion.  Stafford  himself  harangued,  with  juvenile 
vehemence,  in  my  favour,  before  the  archbishop.  To  their 
united  efforts,  and  to  Godescard's  friendship,  I  am  indebted  for 

my  promotion Our  success   this   year  in  the 

university  and  college  has  been  such  as  to  deserve  no  place  here. 
T\vo  accessits  in  the  university,  obtained  by  Wilde,  and  four 
prizes  in  the  college,  by  Wilde,  Maginn,  Keating,  and  Ronan, 
together  with  a  few  accessits,  got  by  Hanna  and  Mackenna, 
junior,  make  up  the  whole  of  our  fortune.  For  heaven's  sake 
send  us  some  bright  subjects  :  all  those  we  have  here  from  your 
diocese  are  but  indifferent,  except  Hanlon.  But  they  are  not  of 
your  choosing — I  mistook.  Kearney  will  make  a  solid  man. 

"  Abbe  Preston  charges  me  to  transmit  to  you  a  memorial  of 
his  own  composition,  which  he  sent  me  enclosed  in  his  last. 
The  purport  of  it  is  to  point  out  the  various  abuses  that  dis- 
figure our  National  Church,  the  causes  from  which  they  origi- 
nate, and  the  remedies  to  be  employed  against  them.  I'll  send 
it  to  you  by  hand,  being  too  voluminous  and  bulky  to  go  other- 
wise ;  allowing  for  the  style,  the  performance  seems  to  me  to  be 
rational  and  judicious.  His  plan,  if  adopted  by  the  prelates  of 
Ireland,  would  prevent  a  world  of  mischief.  Have  you  learned 
that  Monsr.  Chevreuil  is  made  Canon  of  Notre  Dame,  official, 
Grand  Vicar,  and  Chancellor  of  Paris  1  He  is  a  fast  friend  of 
ours.  Monsr.  Asseline  is  also  Grand  Vicar,  and  no  less  attached 
to  us  than  the  former.  I  keep  Ned  Kelly  and  Ryan  to  assist 
me.  Poor  Kelly,  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  is  no  more.  He  died  the 
10th  of  last  June,  exceedingly  regretted  by  all  that  knew  him. 
I  am,  with  invariable  attachment, 

"  Your  ever  affectionate, 

"  J.  MARKY." 

On  the  5th  of  October,  Rev.  Mr.  Marky  again  writes 
from  Paris : — 

"  MY  LORD  AND  MY  MOST  HONOURED  FRIEND, 

"  Your  last  most  friendly  and  much  esteemed  favour  sur- 
prised me,  preparing  an  exhortation  for  the  opening  of  the  gene- 
ral retreat,  on  the  eve  of  SS.  Simon  and  Jude.  I  need  make 
no  sort  of  apology  for  not  returning  an  earlier  answer,  because 
you  know,  better  than  any  one  living  on  the  other  side  of  the 


48  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

channel,  how  sufficient  this  spiritual  career  is  to  take  up  the 
whole  attention  of  a  person  in  my  circumstances.  It  was  con- 
cluded last  Friday  evening  ;  yesterday  I  rested  from  the  fatigue 
of  it,  and  this  day  (Sunday  the  5th)  I  sit  down  to  entertain  my- 
self with  you.  Ned  Kelly  and  Ryan  relieved  and  assisted  me 
materially,  the  former  in  particular,  whom  Providence,  for  the 
spiritual  advantage  of  this  establishment,  has  blessed  with  a 
decisive  turn  for  exhorting.  Mr.  Adrien  reached  Paris  long 
before  your  letter,  which  was  no  further  of  any  use  to  him  than 
as  it  served  to  enhance  my  regard  and  friendship  towards  him. 
Your  attachment  to  the  worthy  Mr.  Betagh,  and  his  veneration 
for  you  were  more  than  sufficient  to  command  my  love  and 
esteem  in  favour  of  the  valuable  young  man  in  question.  Dr, 
MacMahon  offers  to  go  any  lengths  to  serve  him,  and  says  he 
will  always  deem  himself  happy  to  have  an  occasion  of  testify- 
ing his  sincere  esteem  and  respect  for  the  most  worthy  prelate 
that  recommends  him.  The  Dr.  is  to  dine  here  some  day  this 
week.  Ill  invite  Mr.  Adrien,  and  introduce  him  to  his  ac- 
quaintance in  a  more  particular  and,  I  hope,  in  a  more  advan- 
tageous manner  than  I  have  done  as  yet.  I  am  very  well  satis- 
fied with  Mr.  Flanagan,  as  I  am,  in  general,  with  all  those  who 
have  had  the  happiness  to  be  trained  up  by  the  excellent  mas- 
ters that  formed  him.  Young  Mr.  Lyons  is  far  inferior  to 
Flanagan ;  but  his  good  will  and  the  strong  desire  of  improve- 
ment with  which  he  seems  to  be  animated,  are  an  earnest  of 

future  application,  and,  I  am  in  hopes,  of  success 

I  have  written,  as  I  mentioned  in  one  of  my  last  letters,  to  the 
American  agent  at  L'Orient,  about  your  trunks,  books,  &c., 
praying  him  to  forward  them  by  the  Rouliers  to  Mr.  Gernon,  at 
Bourdeaux,  and  to  draw  on  me  for  all  the  expenses  he  would  be 
at :  not  a  word  from  him  since.  This  is  the  second  or  third 
letter  of  mine  to  him  that  remains  unanswered.  I  see  no  other 
remedy  than  by  praying  his  brother  of  Kerry  to  write  to  him 
for  that  purpose.  I  fancy  I  suggested  this  expedient  to  you  in 
some  former  letter.  You  were  not  misinformed  when  you 
learned  that  our  valuable  friend,  Mr.  Flood,  was  chiefly  instru- 
mental in  placing  me  at  the  head  of  the  community.  To  the 
vigorous  exertions  of  his  zeal  and  friendship  I  am  indebted  for 
my  exaltation.  Mr.  Keleher  was  not  less  earnest  on  the  occa- 
sion, and  Monsr.  Godescard,  who  had  been  quite  ignorant  of  the 
efforts  made  for  Tom  MacMahon,  having  laid  both  his  shoulders 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  49 

to  the  affair,  beat  down  all  the  obstacles  and  obstructions 
thrown  in  their  way.  Poor  Stafford  also  gave  me  convincing 
proofs  of  his  attachment,  and  openly  joined  Messrs.  Keleher  and 
Flood,  in  opposition  to  Mr.  O'Neill.  However  all  this  history 
is  out  of  date  and  season,  and  it  is  only  exposing  you  to  a  loss 

of  time  to  entertain  you  with  it I  doubt  whether  I 

ever  told  you  that  I  called  Mr.  Cahill's  nephew  away  from 
Bourdeaux  and  fixed  him  here  as  bursar.  He  behaves  extremely 
well,  and  has  received  sub-deacouship  with  Gallagher  and  Cal- 

lanan The  changes  that  have  happened  here  this 

time  past,  though  not  very  important,  may  not  be  uninteresting 
to  you.  The  High  Mass  on  Sundays  and  holidays  throughout 
the  whole  scholastic  year  is  offered  for  Mr.  Cahill  and  his  three 
predecessors,  to  whom  his  successor  (supposing  it  would  be  my- 
self) is  to  be  added  after  his  decease.  For  this  he  left  a  fund 
producing  annually  96tt.  ;  he  also  left  40tt.  for  each  of  the 
Masters  of  Conference  in  Philosophy,  40tt.  for  the  Masters  in 
Rhetoric,  40tt.  for  the  Master  in  Secunda,  and  80tt.  for  the 
Master  of  Tertia,  with  a  charge  to  give  three  lessons  every  week 
during  the  vacation,  in  the  particles,  and  one  lesson  a  week  from 
the  opening  of  the  classes  to  the  1st  of  June.  He  has  likewise 
left  GOtt.  to  the  Chantres,  and  50tt.  to  be  distributed  among  the 
deacons  and  sub-deacons.  Such  are  his  last  dispositions.  No- 
thing could  be  more  judicious,  and  the  happy  effects  of  them  are 
already  discoverable.  I  have  got  a  noble  chair  made  in  the  re- 
fectory, and  jalousies  for  all  the  windows  of  it  on  the  garden  side. 
Since  our  return  from  vacation  I  discarded  all  the  pewter, 
platters,  pots,  chopines,  and  saltcellars;  substituting  in  their 
room  white  earthen  pots  for  water,  pint  bottles  for  wine,  crystal 
saltcellars,  and  no  platters  at  all.  This  reformation  adds  ex- 
ceedingly to  the  public  decency  and  cleanliness  of  the  refectory. 
Abbe  Right  has  made  the  house  a  present  of  a  fine  stove,  which 
was  the  only  thing  wanting  to  make  the  refectory  comfortable, 

or  rather  tenable  in  winter The  clergy  of  France, 

in  their  late  assembly,  have  served  us  well,  and  indeed  far 
beyond  my  expectations,  I  got  3,000tt. ;  Bellanger's  bill  is  re- 
duced to  about  12,000tt 'Tis  now  high  time  to 

make  you  a  tender  of  my  warmest  acknowledgement  for  your 
unmerited  presents,  sent  by  Mr.  Byrne.  .  .  '.  .  I  beg  you 
will  present  my  most  cordial  wishes  to  your  brother,  to  your 
cousin_;Reilly,  to  Mr.  Betagh,  to  Mr.  Dixon,  &c.  I  sent  you  a 


50  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Parapluie,  by  Dougherty.    Is  he  arrived  yet  ?    Heaven  preserve 
you,  my  Lord. 

"  I  am,  your  own, 

"  J.  MARKY." 

Dr.  Butler,  Archbishop  of  Cashel,  writes  from  Thurles, 
on  the  17th  of  October,  1780  :— 

"  MY  EVER  DEAR  AND  HONOURED  LORD, 

"  As  I  purpose  being  in  Dublin  for  the  25th  instant,  I 
thought  if  I  informed  you  of  it,  you  might  be  tempted  to  meet 
me  there.  The  purport  of  my  going  there  is  chiefly  to  have 
an  interview  with  Dr.  Bellew  and  a  Mr.  Bodkin,  whom 
the  prelates  of  this  province  think  of  pitching  upon  for  the 
place  of  agent  in  Rome,  vacant  by  the  promotion  of  said  Dr. 
Bellew  to  the  see  of  Killala ;  but  it  will  add  much  to  my  happi- 
ness if  you  can  at  all  contrive  to  be  of  the  party,  and  be  an  ad- 
ditional inducement  to  hasten  me  thither.  As  I  am  pretty  sure, 
from  the  experimental  knowledge  I  have  had  of  your  good 
nature,  that  you  will  settle  affairs  so  as  to  grant  me  that  plea- 
sure, I'll  reserve  all  I  have  to  say  to  you  till  I  can  communicate 
them  in  the  viva  voce.  So  adieu,  mon  clier  Seigneur.  I  remain, 
for  ever, 

"  Your  most  affectionate  servant, 

"  JAMES  BUTLER." 

Dr.  Mac  Kiernan,  President   of  the    Irish  College  of 
Doway,  writes  on  the  18th  of  November,  1780  : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  I  was  very  agreeably  surprised  at  the  receipt  of  your 
Lordship's  last  kind  favour.  I  languished  so  long  for  a  few 
lines  from  you  without  getting  one,  that  I  despaired  almost  of 
ever  hearing  directly  from  yourself.  I  was  tempted  to  think 
that  your  Lordship  was  so  totally  absorbed  in  the  performance 
of  every  duty  of  the  exalted  station  to  which  you  have  been 
raised,  that  you  had  entirely  forgotten  me.  I  must,  then,  feel 
doubly  happy  in  finding  my  apprehensions  removed,  and  that  you 
continue  to  honour  me  with  the  same  undeviating  regard  with 
which  you  distinguished  me  since  I  had  the  happiness  of  your 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  5t 

acquaintance.  Whatever  claim  I  may  have  had  on  your  friend- 
ship, from  the  warmth  and  sincerity  of  mine,  is  rather  aug- 
mented by  time  and  distance  than  diminished  in  any  respect, 
and  if  ever  you  put  me  in  the  way  of  showing  it,  you  shall  find 
that  what  I  say  is  not  dictated  by  adulation,  which  I  have  ever 
abhorred,  but  the  unpremeditated  effusions  of  true  and  sincere 

friendship The  President  and  other  superiors 

of  the  English  College,  who  have  the  greatest  veneration  for 
your  Lordship,  desire  to  be  respectfully  remembered  to  you. 

They  are,  indeed,  very  estimable  gentlemen I 

had  our  mutual  friend,  young  Dr.  Flood,  here  some  days  last 
September,  and  we  often  commemorated,  with  all  the  kind 
sentiments  friendship  can  raise  in  the  human  breast,  his  Lord- 
ship of  Meath.  I  beg  when  you  see  his  Grace  of  Dublin  that 
you  will  assure  him  of  my  sincere  and  warm  attachment.  I 
shall  soon  have  the  honour  of  writing  to  him.  I  am  glad  his 
Grace  of  Cashel  and  your  Lordship  are  so  connected.  The  more 
you  are  acquainted,  the  more  happy  you  both  shall  be  in  each 
other's  friendship.  I  beg  to  hear  from  you  when  convenient, 
and  I  am,  with  all  possible  respect  and  kind  attachment,  my 
Lord, 

"  Your  most  affectionate  friend  and  obedient  servant, 

"LUKE  MAC  KlERNAN." 

Dr.  Plunket's  paternal  feeling  and  dignified  tone  towards 
his  clergy  can  be  well  exemplified  by  the  following  letter 
to  a  priest,  who  was  reputed  to  have  been  intemperate. 
The  letter  is  dated  "  Navan,  the  19th  of  February,  1870. 

"REV.  SIR, 

"  A  man  in  my  station  cannot  without  guilt  be  inattentive 
to  the  conduct  of  any  clergyman  of  this  diocese.  His  chief 
obligation  is  to  inspect,  to  superintend,  &c.  In  discharging 
this  duty,  it  was  exceedingly  painful  to  me  to  learn  that  you 
gave  constant  cause  of  serious  complaint.  By  information  from 
different  quarters,  I  know  for  certain  that  you  drink  spirituous 
liquor  to  excess.  Were  you  .yourself  to  speak  of  this  vice  to 
your  flock  (but,  alas  !  how  could  you  presume  to  speak  of  it  ?) 
you  would  indubitably  pronounce  it  opposite  to  the  most  essen- 
tial obligations  of  a  Christian.  What  must  it  then  be  in  a 


52  THE   BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DIl.    PLUNKET. 

priest  of  the  most  High  God,  hourly  exposed  to  be  called  upon  for 
the  dispensation  of  the  awful  mysteries  of  religion,  constantly 
bound  to  edify  those  whose  souls  are  under  his  care,  and  to 
deter  them  from  vice,  as  well  by  example  as  by  word  !  It  is 
not  possible  to  be  addicted  to  drink  (I  talk  of  a  man  in  your 
dependant  situation)  without  borrowing  money  and  contracting 
debts ;  hereby  the  sacred  rights  of  justice  are  violated ;  and 
you  must  know  that  an  habitual  violation  of  justice  would  be 
dishonourable  and  shocking  even  in  a  layman.  Eenounce  every 
attempt  to  overturn  this  charge.  The  fact  is  too  notorious  to 
be  denied.  I  am  answerable  to  God  and  to  the  public  for  every 
disorder  in  the  diocese,  which  I  could  be  capable  of  beholding 
with  calmness  and  insensibility.  Your  intemperance  can  be 
no  longer  borne.  I  am  sorry  to  be  under  the  necessity  of  per- 
emptorily declaring  to  you,  that  unless  the  cause  of  the  com- 
plaint you  have  hitherto  afforded  immediately  ceases,  I  must 
suspend  you  from  the  exercise  of  all  ecclesiastical  functions  in 
the  diocese  of  Meath.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Council,  who  will  hand 
this  letter  to  you,  has  received  positive  orders  to  inform  me  in 
the  most  undisguised  manner  of  the  effect  it  is  to  produce.  It 
is  my  sincere  wish,  that  by  a  complete  and  timely  reformation 
you  prevent  an  exertion  of  authority  which  could  not  but  be 
disgraceful  to  you,  whilst  it  would  distress  me  exceedingly. 
Consider  this  warning  as  that  of  a  friend,  a  brother,  a  father, 
who  can  have  nothing  in  view  but  the  glory  of  God,  the  honour 
of  the  priesthood,  the  salvation  of  souls,  and  your  own  real 
happiness.  One  generous  resolution  is  sufficient  to  burst  your 
chains  ;  but  it  must  be  most  seriously  made  in  the  presence  of 
God,  and  grounded  on  those  powerful  and  striking  motives 
which  divine  grace  always  suggests  to  a  soul  that  seeks  in  ear- 
nest to  return  to  God.  May  his  infinite  mercy  so  dispose  your 
heart,  that  you  may  be  able  with  truth  to  address  him  in  the 
language  of  the  prophet :  "  Laqueus  contritus  est  et  nos  liber ati 
samus,  Dirupisti  vincula  mea :  tibi  sacrificabo  hostiam  laudis."  This 
is  the  prayer  and  the  wish  of,  Kev.  Sir,  your  very  humble  and 
obedient  servant, 

"  P.  J.  PLUNKET,  Bishop  of  Meath. 

"P.S. — I  need  not  observe  that  this  holy  time  of  Lent  is 
peculiarly  proper  for  making  a  good  general  confession,  for  be- 
ginning a  new  life,  and  thereby  preparing  to  rise  with  our  Lord 
at  Easter." 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  HEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  53 


CHAPTER  VI. 

1.  INDUCTION  INTO  NAVAN. — 2.  LETTERS  FROM  DR.  SUTLER. 
— 3.  FROM  THE  REV.  P.  FLOOD. — 4.  FROM  THE  REV.  J. 
MARKY. — 5.  FROM  THE  PRESIDENT  OF  DOW  AY. — 6.  FROM 
SAME. — 7.  FROM  DR.  MOYLAN,  BISHOP  OF  KERRY. 

1.  Dr.  Plunkefc  petitioned  the  Holy  See,  as  -we  have 
seen,  for  the  parish  of  Navan,  there  to  fix  his  episcopal 
residence,  and  Dr.  O'Reilly,  Bishop  of  Clogher,  was  em- 
powered to  induct  him  into  said  parish.     The  venerable 
Thomas  Flood,   Archdeacon  of  Meath,   represented  the 
Bishop  of  Clogher  on  the  occasion,  and  Rev.  Patrick  Smith, 
Pastor  of  Ardbraccan,  was  formally  put  in  possession  of 
Navan,  in  the  name  of  Dr.  Plunket.     The  following  is  a 
copy   of    a    delegation  directed   to   the    Archdeacon  of 
Meath : — 

"  Whereas,  by  authentic  letters,  the  parish  of  Navan,  in  the 
diocese  of  Meath,  has  been  lately  conferred  on  the  R.  R.  P.  J. 
Plunket,  bishop  of  said  diocese,  and  whereas  I  have  been 
directed  and  authorized  to  induct  him  into,  and  put  in  posses- 
sion of  said  parish  of  Navau,  either  by  myself  or  my  delegate, 
I  do  hereby  appoint,  delegate,  and  empower  the  Rev.  Thomas 
Flood,  Pastor  of  Kells  and  Archdeacon  of  Meath,  to  induct,  in 
my  name,  and  put  in  possession  of  the  said  parish  of  Navan,  the 
R.  R.  Patrick  Joseph  Plunket,  or  his  representative. 

"  Given  under  my  hand  the  3rd  day  of  February,  1781-one^ 
"HUGO  REILLY,  Clogherensis." 

2.  There  are  several  letters  in  our  diocesan  archives 
written  to  Dr.  Plunket,  in  178 1,  by  the   Archbishop  of 
Cashel ;  and  as  every  line  that  proceeded  from  that  great 
prelate  is  well  worth  preserving,  however  we  may  differ 
from  some  of  his  views,  we  deem  it  just  to  incorporate 
them  with  the  life  and  times  of  our  venerable  bishop : — 


54  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 


"  MY  EVER  DEAR  AND  MOST  HONOURED  LORD, 

"  You  know  too  well,  by  your  own  experience,  how  often 
a  person  in  our  station  is  prevented  from  gratifying  his  own 
inclination,  in  consequence  of  pressing  and  unexpected  calls. 
Whatever  seeming  inattention  might  have  appeared  in  me  to 
your  last  most  obliging  letter  is  to  be  attributed  to  these  causes. 
The  attack  made  upon  me  by  Parson  Garnet,  which,  thank 
God,  has  turned  to  his  confusion,  obliged  me  to  put  off  the 
visitation  of  several  parishes  till  after  my  return  from  Dublin  ; 
and  the  visiting  these,  and  the  Christmas  confessions,  &c.,  &c., 
so  engrossed  all  my  time,  that  it  is  only  now  I  begin  to  breathe. 
But  that  you  may  be  the  more  sensible  of  the  truth  of  this 
apology,  believe  me  one  of  the  greatest  pleasures  I  feel  in  this 
short  respite  is  to  be  able  to  acknowledge,  in  the  most  grateful 
manner,  that  late  token  of  your  friendship,  and  to  assure  you,  in 
all  the  warmth  of  mine,  of  my  sincere  wishes  to  you  of  every 
happiness  you  can  desire  during  this  and  every  succeeding  year 
of  your  life.     You  may,  in  all  probability,  be  called  to  the  care 
of  the  diocese  of  Armagh  before  many  months  are  over,  for  it 
seems  pretty  certain  you  are  the  prelate  selected  to  be  an  angel 
of  peace  to  that  long  distracted  diocese.     May  the  Almighty 
God  give  you  health  and  strength  equal  to  your  zeal  and  other 
qualities  ;  for  it  will  be  a  herculean  labour  to  renew  the  face  of 
such  a  district.     My  apprehensions,  however,  about  your  con- 
stitution, which  deterred  me  from  recommending  you  as  strongly 
as  I  otherwise  would  have  done  to  the  Nuncio,  when  written  to 
about  it  last  summer,  are  greatly  abated  since  you  informed  me 
how   stoutly  you   went   through   the   visitation   of  sixty-five 
parishes.     There  is  no  task  now  to  which  you  are  not  able ; 
'but  I  pity  Meath,  I  pity  Navan,  I  pity  all  the  parishes  you 
blessed  last  year  with  your  presence.     They  only  saw  you  to 
regret  you,  and  the  more  they  felt  their  happiness  the  more 
must  they  now  feel  their  loss.     Garrisker,  Thurles,  may  also 
claim  a  share  in  my  compassion,  as  your  new  promotion  will, 
in  all  likelihood,  place  you  at  a  greater  distance  from  them. 
Still,  as  such  a  change,  by  raising  you  to  a  higher  sphere  and 
opening  a  larger  field  to  the  exertions  of  your  zeal,  will  render 
your  example  more  conspicuous,  and  your  labours  and  example 
of  more  extensive  advantage  to  the^whole  kingdom,  we  ought 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  55 

all  cheerfully  submit  and  even  rejoice  in  the  disposition  of 
Divine  Providence  in  the  choice  that  is  made. 

"The  prelates  of  your  province,  I  have  heard  from  Dr. 
Belle w,  had  sent  off  their  answer  to  Antonelli  before  the  one 
from  our  province  was  despatched.  This  accounts  for  your 
not  receiving  a  copy  of  it.  The  purport  of  it  was  to  show 
thf>t  as  the  Cardinal  Interpreters  of  the  Council  of  Trent,  as 
Benedict  XIV.  mentions  in  his  Syn.  Dioces.,  lib.  c.,  chap.  c.; 
and  in  his  letter  on  the  next  chapter  of  said  work,  pronounced 
marriages  of  Catholics  and  Protestants  in  Holland  valid,  non 
servata  lege  Tiidentina,  from  the  reason  that  the  Council  did  not 
intend  including  Protestants  in  the  decree,  we  did  not  see  why 
we  were  not  authorized  to  reason  in  like  manner  as  to  the 
validity  of  such  marriages  in  this  kingdom. 

Do,  my  dear  Lord,  enquire  of  some  of  your  clergy  who  have 
studied  at  Salamanca  about  one  Curtis,  nephew  to  a  Mr.  Curtis, 
chaplain  to  the  Duke  of  Opuna.  Dr.  Carpenter,  it  seems,  has 
recommended  him  to  be  rector  of  our  college  in  Salamanca,  and 
I  am  informed  by  some  who  knew  him  abroad  that  he  is  not  a 
proper  person  for  such  an  office 

"  And  now,  my  Lord,  as  we  are  beginning  the  new  year,  let 
us  make  an  agreement  to  write  to  each  other  at  least  once  a 
month.  I  am  much  interested  in  this,  as  it  will  be  a  singular 
pleasure  to  me  to  hear  often  from  you,  and,  in  the  meantime, 
believe  me,  always  most  sincerely, 

"  Your  ever  affectionate, 

"JAMES  BUTLER. 
"Thurles,  January  llth,  1781." 

The  next  letter  has  no  date,  and  it  seems  to  have  been 
written  hurriedly : — 

"  MY  EVER  DEAR  AND  MOST  HONOURED  LORD, 

"  This  is  not  to  answer  your  last  most  welcome  favour. 
I  have  not  time  after  vespers  this  evening  to  tell  you  all  the 
pleasures  I  felt  in  reading  the  renewed  assurances  of  your 
friendship.  I  have  only  time  to  mention  my  alarm  at  reading 
two  pamphlets,  which  have  lately  appeared,  on  the  causes  of 
the  disturbances  of  the  south.  The  one  has  been  written  by  a 
layman,  and  the  other  by  Dr.  Woodward,  Bishop  of  Cloyne. 


50  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Both  joined  together  are  a  dangerous  attack  upon  us,  and  must 
be  repulsed  as  soon  as  possible  by  some  publication  in  our 
defence.  The  Nuncio's  letter,  which  we  all  reprobated,  is 
brought  to  public  light,  from  Dr.  Burke's  supplement  to  the 
Hibernia  Dominicana,  and  the  oath  of  our  consecration  is  added 
to  it  to  give  it  more  plausibility.  If  something  be  not  done  to 
counteract  such  a  pernicious  publication,  I  am  afraid  it  will 
argue  a  consciousness  of  guilt.  Do,  my  dear  Lord,  get  both 
pamphlets.  You'll  find  them  at  Slater's,  in  Castle-street,  and 
tell  me  your  thoughts.  I  have  by  me  a  condemnation  of  the 
Hibernia  Dominicana  and  the  supplement,  by  all  the  bishops  of 
Munster,  in  the  year  1775.  I  have  letters  from  Rome  and  to 
Rome  on  the  Tests,  and  the  decision  of  Paris  on  the  Tests, 
which  will  be  useful  in  any  refutation  that  will  be  made.  I 
can't  tell  you  how  I  feel  on  the  occasion.  I  never  wished  more 
to  be  a  Bossuet.  I  pant  for  a  counterpoise,  and  I  know  you'll 
feel  as  I  do  when  you  see  the  pamphlets.  They  can  be  easily 
contradicted  ;  but  get  them,  and  write  immediately  to  one  who 
depends  much  on  your  judgment  and  advice,  and  who  always 
is,  my  ever  dear  Lord, 

"  Your  most  affectionate  servant  and  friend, 

"JAMES  BUTLER." 

On  the  26th  of  May  Dr.  Butler  writes  from  Thurles  : — 

"  Imagining  you  may  be  returned  to  Navan  for  the  Feast  of 
the  Ascension,  and  by  that  means  that  my  answer  to  your  last 
favour  of  the  30th  of  April  might  reach  you,  I  availed  myself 
of  the  first  moment  of  leisure  to  write  to  you.  I  had  also  begun 
my  visitation,  and  had  already  been  at  six  different  chapels, 
when  the  arrival  of  my  brother  from  England  obligad  me  to 
interrupt  the  course  of  my  visits  to  meet  him  in  the  county 
Kilkenny.  He  came  with  me  to  Thurles,  and  is  HOAV  on  his 
road  to  Dublin,  where  I  must  call  on  him  in  Whitsun  week. 
Perhaps  your  Lordship  would  have  some  business  there  about 
that  time.  It  would  make  me  exceedingly  happy  to  see  you 
there,  both  for  the  pleasure  of  your  company  and  for  the  oppor- 
tunity of  conferring  together  on  several  points  very  interesting 
to  our  National  Church,  and,  perhaps,  you  would  induce  some 
other  prelates  to  join  us.  The  state  of  our  colleges  in  Spain, 
Rome,  and  Nantz;  the  appointing  of  a  proper  agent  in  place  of 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  57 

Mr.  Bodkin,  and  a  national  superior  to  our  house  in  Rome  ;  the 
hastening  an  answer  from  the  Sacred  Congregation  to  our 
memorial;  are  affairs  which  claim  our  most  serious  and  joint 
attention. 

"  A  Mr.  Murphy  in  Dublin,  known  in  Rome  by  the  name  of 
Jackson,  Avhere  he  studied  with  applause  in  our  Irish  College, 
seems  to  me,  on  every  account,  the  most  proper  person,  in  case 
Cardinal  Salviati  consents  to  our  having  a  national  superior  of 
that  house,  to  be  placed  at  the  head  of  it,  and  thereby  act  both 
as  superior  of  it  and  as  agent  for  the  bishops  of  Ireland.  Your 
Lordship  will  reflect  on  this  proposal,  and  will,  I  am  sure,  when 
acquainted  with  Mr.  Murphy,  approve  of  it.  I  have  seen  the 
supplement,  and  would  approve  much  of  it  were  it  not  for  the 
insertion  of  the  Legend  of  St.  Gregory  VII. ;  but  with  lessons 
so  opposite  to  our  late  professions,  I  not  only  cannot  adopt  it, 
but  think  it  would  be  imprudent  and  dangerous  at  this  critical 
juncture  to  have  it  dispersed  through  the  kingdom.  I  wrote 
pretty  much  to  this  purport  to  Dr.  C ;  and  your  Lord- 
ship, I  am  confident,  in  reading  over  this  legend  will  agree 
with  me.  Enemies  might  make  a  handle  of  a  work  printed  in 
Dublin,  permissu  superiorum. 

"  Did  your  Lordship  receive  copies  of  proclamations  of  a 
pardon  for  all  deserters  Avho  return  between  this  and  the  1st  of 
June  next  1  I  received  two  packets  by  order  of  his  Excellency, 
with  directions  for  their  being  read  in  all  parish  chapels  of  the 
province  by  the  different  priests.  But  I  instantly  wrote  to  Sir 
Boyle  Roche,  who  sent  them,  that  it  was  as  impossible  for  me 
or  the  other  bishops  and  clergy,  consistently  with  our  principles 
of  religion  and  the  care  of  our  people,  to  exhort  those  who  had 
deserted  from  the  service  to  return  again  as  it  was  for  us  to 
exhort  them  to  enlist.  Now,  it  is  certain,  we  would  not,  in 
conscience,  advise  them  to  enlist,  whilst  the  laws  now  in  being 
forbid  the  entraiice  of  the  army  to  all  Roman  Catholics  ;  deprive 
such  as  do  enter  of  all  the  spiritual  helps,  so  necessary  for 
salvation  ;  and  leave  it  in  the  power  of  their  officers  to  oblige 
them  to  go  to  church.  Consequently,  nor  could  we,  in  con- 
science, engage  those  who  had  deserted  to  return,  some  of  whom, 
perhaps,  quitted  what  they  had  unthinkingly  embraced  for 
those  very  motives  which  have  prevented  us,  their  spiritual 
superiors,  from  encouraging  them  from  our  altars  to  enter  the 
army.  Did  Government  but  repeal  those  laws,  allow  in  every 
regiment  a  R.  C.  priest  to  attend  the  Catholic  soldiers,  permit 


58  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

them  the  free  exercise  of  their  religion — in  a  word,  make  the 
wearing  a  red  coat  in  his  Majesty's  army  no  longer  a  badge  of 
Protestantism,  I  felt  confident  that  there  was  not  a  bishop  or 
priest  in  the  kingdom  but  would  exert  themselves  in  animating 
their  people  to  serve  their  king  and  country.  But  as  things 
now  are,  I  saw  more  danger  threaten  the  State  from  our  read- 
ing the  proclamation  from  our  altars  than  prospect  of  advan- 
tage, when  we  were  not  empowered  by  Government  to  assure 
them  of  the  repeal  of  those  laws  which  had  for  so  long  a  time 
rendered  it  unlawful  and  unsafe  for  them  to  enlist.  The  people 
everywhere  would  immediately  cry  out  that  we  were  betraying 
their  confidence,  and  that  we  were  exhorting  them  to  sacrifice 
their  souls.  What  might  not  an  unhappy  deserter  say  1 — '  I 
had  indiscreetly  and  wantonly,  may  be  in  a  fit  of  drunkenness, 
entered  the  army.  On  cool  reflection,  I  saw  the  danger  to 
which  I  exposed  my  soul  by  being  deprived  of  all  the  advan- 
tages of  my  religion,  of  all  the  opportunities  for  Mass,  confes- 
sion, &c.,  and  I  deserted.  Will  you,  my  bishop,  my  priest,  who 
should  have  my  salvation  at  heart  as  much  as  your  own,  obli- 
gate me  to  return  ]'  My  rule  to  my  clergy,  with  regard  to 
deserters,  is  to  oblige  them  to  refund  the  enlisting  money, 
regimentals,  or  the  value  some  way  or  another,  as  prudence  will 
suggest.  I  beg  you  Lordship's  thoughts  on  this  ;  remaining, 
with  the  greatest  sincerity,  my  ever  dear  and  honoured  Lord, 
"  Your  most  affectionate  friend  and  humble  servant, 

"JAMES  BUTLER." 

The  next  letter  was  written  on  the  7th  (month  erased), 
1781  :— 

"  MY  EVER  DEAR  AND  MOST  HONOURED  LORD, 

"  What  you  wrote  to  me  about  is  of  too  much  conse- 
quence to  admit  of  the  least  delay.  I  feel  more  than  I  can 
express  the  necessity  of  forwarding  it  as  soon  as  possible  ;  and 
from  my  lively  feelings  of  the  propriety  of  what  Abhe  Preston 
proposes,  I  write  immediately,  without  waiting  for  answers 
from  my  suffragans,  to  request  you'll  draw  up  the  memorial 
yourself,  in  favour  of  Cardinal  Eezzonico,  and  subscribe  my 
name  and  the  names  of  Dr.  John  Butler  of  Cork,  Dr.  MacKenna 
of  Cloyne,  Dr.  MacMahon  of  Killaloe,  Dr.  Con  way  of  Lime- 
rick, Dr.  Egan  of  Waterford,  and  Dr.  Moylan  of  Kerry.  lam 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  59 

sure  I  have  their  presumptive  consent ;  Dr.  MacMahon,  as 
being  a  Regular,  is  the  only  one  I  am  diffident  of,  but  no 
matter  ;  he  can  find  no  fault  with  me  for  placing  him  with  the 
rest  of  his  confreres  in  promoting  a  success  so  desirable  to  our 
National  Church.  I  approve  also  of  the  memorial  about  the 
college,  though  somewhat  afraid,  from  an  unhappy  disposition 
in  our  countrymen,  that  they'd  be  less  subordinate  to  one  of 
their  own  than  to  a  stranger  ;  but  I  submit  this  to  your  judg- 
ment. 

"  I  am  afraid  Ghilini  is  too  little  of  a  divine  or  canonist  to 
be  chosen  our  Protector.  You  remember  his  letter  in  the 
supplement  of  Dr.  Burke's  Hibernia  Lommicana  as  to  the  pro- 
lates  of  Ulster's  objections  to  the  extension  of  Benedict  the 
XIV. 's  decree  to  the  marriages  of  Catholics  and  Protestants, 
from  the  consequences  that  would  follow,  which,  by  the  way, 
I  am  far  from  admitting.  They  are  foreign  to  the  state  of  the 
question,  the  whole  of  which  consists  in  knowing  whether 
Protestants  be  bound  by  the  decree  of  said  Council,  and  the 
conclusion  is,  as  I  mentioned  to  your  Lordship  before,  from 
what  Benedict  XIV.  says,  Lib.  6,  tiyn.  Dioces.  cap.  6. 

"  The  four  Archbishops  receive  every  three  years  from  Rome 
extraordinary  faculties,  communicable  by  them  to  their  suf- 
fragans, whereby  they  are  empowered  to  dispense  in  2°  and 
3°,  and  in  3°  and  3° ;  you'll  get  them  from  the  Archbishop  of 
Armagh  by  writing  for  them. 

"  I  shall  long  to  hear  of  your  having  sent  off  the  memorial. 
I  remain,  in  the  meanwhile  and  for  ever,  my  most  dear  and 
honoured  Lord, 

"  Your  truly  affectionate  and  devoted  servant, 

"JAMES  BUTLER." 

On  the  24tli  August,  1781,  Dr.  Butler  writes  again  from 
Mitchelstown,  to  his  "  ever  dear  and  honoured  Lord"  : — 

"  I  am  just  returning  from  a  meeting  with  my  provincial 
prelates,  and  profit  of  a  halt  I  make  near  Mitchelstown,  to 
write  these  few  lines  to  your  Lordship,  letting  you  know  that 
I  am  to  be  in  Dublin  the  Tuesday  or  Wednesday  after  the 
Nativity  of  our  Blessed  Lady.  It  would  be  most  agreeable  to 
the  bishops  of  this  province,  and,  of  course,  to  myself,  if  you 
would  meet  me,  having  several  projects  in  contemplation  in 
which  your  concurrence  would  be  necessary.  Though  I  have 


60  __  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLTJNKET. 

several  parishes  still  to  visit,  yet  I  postpone  to  the  duty  and 
pleasure  of  meeting  you  in  Dublin,  and  the  advantages  which 
must  arise  from  our  concerting  matters  together  in  a  proper  man- 
ner. The  chief  object  of  my  interview  with  your  Lordship  is  to 
know  from  you  all  the  proceedings  of  the  Sacred  Congregation 
with  regard  to  deposing  the  Primate,  which,  by  the  accounts  sent 
to  me,  seemed  to  me  and  to  the  other  bishops  as  highly  injurious 
to  the  rights  and  dignity  of  our  hierarchy,  and,  consequently, 
to  demand  a  spirited  remonstrance,  signed  by  all  the  bishops  of 
the  kingdom,  to  assert  and  maintain  the  honour  and  preroga- 
tives of  our  National  Church.  If  things  be  as  they  were  repre- 
sented to  me,  I  think  every  bishop  called  upon  to  resent  it,  and 
this  can  be  done  without  derogating  in  the  least  from  the  re- 
spect due  to  their  Eminences.  The  bishops  of  Munster  will  not 
be  backwards  in  joining  on  the  occasion.  They  desired  mo 
to  assure  you  of  it.  But  more  of  this  when  we  see  each  other, 
and  when  we  shall  have  an  opportunity  of  regulating  about  an 
agent,  and  forming  other  plans  for  the  greater  good  of  our 
National  Church.  The  approach  of  a  winter  Parliament  Avill  ac- 
count for  our  assembling,  in  the  eyes  of  those  who  would  remark 
it ;  and  something  or  other  may  be  thought  of,  which  might  be 
offered  in  our  behalf  to  Parliament,  which  would  not,  perhaps, 
occur  to  us  did  we  not  converse  together.  Dr.  Moylan  and  Dr. 
Egan  will,  I  believe,  come  up  with  me  to  town,  and  if  your 
Lordship  knoAVs  any  bishops  in  Connaught  or  Ulster  who  would 
be  willing  to  join  us,  and  on  whom  we  could  depend,  I  think 
you'd  do  well  to  engage  them.  Our  meeting  must  not  seem  a 
premeditated  one,  but  rather  a  rencontre,  and  the  motives  of  it 
kept  a  secret. 

Being  in  a  hurry,  I'll  reserve  other  particulars  for  the  time 
I'll  have  the  happiness  of  seeing  you,  which  I  hope  will  be  the 
12th  of  September  at  farthest. 

Dr.  Moylan,  your  sincere  friend,  though  a  little  jealous 
that  you  did  not  answer  the  letter  he  wrote  to  you  by  Mr. 
Moriarty,  being  now  with  me,  joins  in  all  that  is  kind  to  you. 
Adieu,  my  ever  dear  and  honoured  Lord.  "Write  immediately 
to  me.  I  shall  be  in  Thurles  next  week.  Remaining  your 
ever  affectionate  friend  and  servant, 

"  JAMES  BUTLER." 

On  the  23rd  of  October,  1781,  Dr.  Butler  writes  from 
Thmies :— 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET.  61 

"  Though  I  be  always  happy  to  have  it  in  my  power  to 
answer  as  soon  as  possible  your  friendly  letters,  I  am  still  more 
earnest  to  acknoAvledge  your  last.     A  speedy  answer  is  the  least 
return  I  can  make  for  your  goodness  in  thinking  of  making 
excuses  to  me  for  any  little  debate  we  might  have  had  together 
in  Dublin,  which  arose,  I  dare  say,  more  from  my  indiscretion 
than  any  fault  of  yours.     But  I  am  charmed  with  a  friendship 
which  the  least  shadow  of  coolness  alarms  j  and  if  anything 
could  enhance  my  esteem  for  you,  I  can  assure  you,  my  dear 
Lord,  it  is  the  apology  you  were  so  humble  as  to  make  hi  your 
last  letter  to  me.     I  shall  never  forget  it.     I  read  most  atten- 
tively your  letter  to  Dr.  Troy,  which  I  much  approve  of.     The 
letter  planned  by  Dr.  MacDavett  only  remonstrates  against  Dr. 
Troy's    being  named  coadjutor  to   the   Primate,   whereas   I 
imagined  it  would  have  also  expressed   the  feelings   of  the 
prelates  on  the  Primate's  being  suspended  and  deposed  without 
any  sufficient  cause  assigned,  and  the  alarm  it  must  give  every 
prelate  in  the  kingdom  if  suspensions  be  sent  as  "  leitres  de 
cachets"  are  in  France.     Secondly,  the  danger  of  weakening  that 
subordination  which  should  always  subsist  between  the  clergy 
and  their  bishops,  when,  without  telling  who  is  in  the  right  or 
who  is  in  the  wrong,  the  clergy,  in  opposition  to  their  bishops,  are 
honoured  and  he  discarded.    I  wrote  on  my  return  from  Dublin 
both  to  the  Nuncio  and  to  the  Protector,  that  it  would  be  highly 
dangerous  to  name  a  Friar  to  the  coadjutorship  of  Armagh,  and 
this  from  a  conversation  I  had  with  the  speaker  at  Lucan,  on 
my  road  to  Garrisker,  who,  talking  about  Armagh,  assured  me 
that  if  a  Friar  were  appointed  he  would  not  answer  for  the 
consequences,  and  advised  me,  by  all  means,  to  prevent  it,  and  to 
mention  his  name  on  the  occasion.    I  have,  accordingly,  done  so 
in  both  those  letters  which  I  wrote  from  Garrisker ;  but  this 
must  be  kept  a  secret  between  us.     They  will,  I  feel  confident, 
have  effect.     The  Court  of  Rome  will  not  be  so  imprudent  as 
to  indispose  our  rulers  against  us  when  all  our  hopes  are  alive 
in  expectation  of  new  favours.    I  am  at  present  writing  a  letter 
to  Salviati,  in  which  I  proposed,   again,   your  Lordship,  Dr. 
MacDavett,  Abbe  Preston  (who,  Abbe  Marky  says,  that  though 
Trefou  cier,  Antonelli  3aid  might  be   promoted  in  Ireland),  Mr. 
Edgeworth,  and  Mr.  Hussey  of  London.    I  should  be  impatient 
to  have  your  Lordship's  thoughts  on  them,  and  on  the  contents 
of  this  letter,   and  to  know  you  are  quite  well  and  hearty. 


62  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Adieu,  my  ever  dear  and  honoured  Lord.     No  one  can  be  more 
sincerely  attached  to  you  than 

"  Your  ever  affectionate, 

"JAMES  BUTLER." 

On  the  31st  of  October,  same  year,  Dr.  Butler  writes 
from  Thurles  : — 

"  Having  just  received  a  letter  from  the  Nuncio  in  answer  to 
the  one  I  mentioned  to  you  which  I  had  written  to  him,  I  am 
eager  to  impart  the  substance  of  it  to  you,  as  I  know  it  will  please 
you.  He  says  : — '  We  have  received  with  pleasure  your  letter 
of  the  27th  of  September,  and  we  are  deeply  obliged  for  the 
valuable  suggestions  which  you  have  kindly  communicated  to 
us  relative  to  the  coadjutor  to  be  appointed  to  Armagh.  We 
shall  exercise  all  the  precautions  and  reserves  which  you  have 
suggested,  &c/  If  Salviati's  letter  be  as  satisfactory,  the  chief 
part  of  yours  to  his  Holiness  will  be  answered.  You  see  I  have 
not  been  idle.  I  have  not  heard  from  Dr.  Davett  or  Dr. 
Lennan.  Do  send  me  their  directions.  This  being  All  Saints' 
Eve,  I  have  only  time  to  add  the  assurances  of  all  that  is  most 
kind,  from,  my  ever  dear  and  honoured  Lord, 

"  Your  most  affectionate  and  humble  servant, 

"JAMES  BUTLER." 

On  the  9th  of  December,  Dr.  Butler  writes  from 
Thurles  :— 

"  Were  I  not  as  desirous  as  I  am,  out  of  every  motive  of  the 
sincerest  friendship  and  esteem,  to  keep  up  a  correspondence  with 
your  Lordship,  a  certain  point  of  honour  would  keep  me  to  the 
agreement  we  made  of  writing  to  each  other  once  a  month.  I 
would  not  for  the  world  give  you  any  opening  at  me  ;  I  know 
you  would  take  advantage  of  it.  Nor  would  I  have  delayed 
till  now  had  not  the  visitation  of  several  parishes,  which  my 
call  in  September  to  Dublin,  and  in  October  to  Cork,  obliged 
me  to  put  off  till  this  late  rainy  season,  totally  engrossed  my 
time.  I  expect  daily  letters  from  Rome  relative  to  the  nomina- 
tion of  a  coadjutor  to  the  Primate,  and  am  in  no  less  continual 
hopes  of  hearing  something  satisfactory  from  you  in  answer  to 
your  letter  to  that  quarter.  You  know  all  that  passed  in 
Dublin  relative  to  the  seditious  scribbler  Carey,  whom,  I  believe, 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  63 

you  knew  in  the  community,  as  Mr.  Wright  tells  me  he  was 
there  in  his  time.  The  committee  (God  bless  them)  acted  most 
prudently  with  regard  to  his  advertisement  and  pamphlet.  Mr. 
Caddell,  who  writes  to  me  that  he  saw  you,  and  saw  you,  to 
my  great  comfort,  perfectly  well,  must  have  informed  you  of 
every  particular. 

"  I  congratulate  you  on  the  bill  which  is  to  be  brought  in 
after  Christmas.  I  believe  it  will  pass.  Lord  Kenmare 
writes  to  me  to  say  it  will.  I  am  thinking  of  going  up  to 
Dublin  after  the  holidays.  Will  you  meet  me  there  ]  We  may 
do  some  good,  and  I  believe  we  shall  never  have  again  such 
another  opportunity.  We  have  recovered  the  Irish  house  in 
Lisbon,  but  not  the  revenues.  I  wished  a  joint  letter  was  sent 
in  the  name  of  the  bishops  of  Ireland  to  the  Queen,  to  petition 
for  them.  Signify  its  propriety  to  Dr.  Carpenter  when  you  see 
him.  I  shall  subscribe  heart  and  soul  to  any  memorial  drawn 
up  for  that  purpose.  You  have  got  the  essay  to  a  "  Catholick 
Communion."  I  like  it  much,  and  I  think  it  will  be  of  use.  I 
wrote  to  Dr.  MacDavett,  and  I  expect  soon  an  answer  from 
him.  Dr.  Moylan  met  me  last  week  in  the  county  Limerick. 
We  talked  much  of  the  pleasing  time  we  passed  with  you.  He 

is  very  well Adieu,  my  dear  Lord,  and  believe 

me  to  be 

"  Ever  your  affectionate  and  devoted, 

"  JAMES  BUTLER." 

On  the  23rd  of  December  Dr.  Butler  writes  from 
Tlmrles  :— 

"  I  am  happy,  at  the  same  time,  as  I  acknowledge  your  kind 
letter,  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  send  you  Salviati's  answer, 
which  I  received  this  day.     It  is  as  follows : — 
"  '  ILLUSTRISSIME  ET  REVERENDISSIME  DOMINE, 

"  '  Res  Armachanse  Diceseos  quibus  iterum  atque  iterum 
S.  Congregatio  de  Propaganda  Fide  curavit  medicinam  adhibere 
videntur  eo  majis  in  deterius  ruere.  Quare  zelum  et  solici- 
tudinem  Dominationis  Tuae  Illustrissimse  miror  laudoque.  Ast 
ingenia  partium  utinam  minus  aspera  fuerunt,  eorumque  studia 
saniora  !  Non  inquireret  unusquisque  quse  sunt  vel  quae  esse 
possint,  sed  quse  Jesu  Christi.  Sacra  Congregatio  de  Propa- 
ganda fide  [erase'/]  predecessoris  nostri  felicis  recordationis 
Card.  Nerei  Corsini  statuit  non  expedire  ad  Armachauam  Sedem 


64  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Sacerdotem  regularem  promovere,  neque  sine  rationabili  causa 
dubitandum  liisce  temporibus  de  mutatione  consilii.  Quam- 
quam  neque  inter  regulares  desint  viri  apprime  et  digni  qui 
seligi  possent.  Interim  quamplurimas  gratias  ago  Dominationi 
tuse  illustrissimae  de  monitis  datis  super  hujusmodi  negotium 
atque  omiiia  fausta  precor  augurorque. 

"  '  Dominationis  tuse  illustrissimse  ac  Reverendissimse 
ad  officia  paratissimus, 

"  '  GREGORIUS  CARD.  SALVIATL 

"  '  Romse  hac  die,  17  Novembris,  1781." ' 

"  Does  not  this  give  you  pleasure  1  Impart  it  to  your  friends, 
MacDavett  and  Lennan.  Ill  write  to  the  Nuncio  about  Levins ; 
it  would  be  madness  to  name  him.  You'll  be  surprised  when  I 
tell  you  that  I  have  not  yet  written  a  memorial  to  Rome,  com- 
plaining of  the  arbitrary  proceedings  of  their  Eminences  in  the 
affair  of  Armagh.  I  really  thought  it  would  be  more  proper 
for  your  Lordship  and  the  suffragans  to  draw  one  up,  and 
the  other  bishops  of  the  kingdom  to  write  one  in  parti- 
cular for  themselves.  It  would  seem  officious  in  any  foreign 
prelate  to  shew  the  example. 

"  Did  I  request  of  you  in  my  last  to  remind  Dr.  Carpenter  to 
draw  up  a  petition,  in  the  name  of  the  four  archbishops,  to  solicit 
the  Court  of  Portugal  for  the  revenues  of  the  Irish  house  in 
Lisbon  1  When  we  meet  in  Dublin,  which  will  be  immediately 
after  the  recess  is  ended,  we  shall  talk  over  matters,  though  I 
hope  to  hear  from  you  before.  In  the  meantime  believe  me 
to  be 

"  Your  ever  affectionate  and  devoted  servant, 

"JAMES  BUTLER. 

"P.S. — I  wish  you  a  happy  Christmas." 

3.  On  the  7th  of  February,  1781,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Flood, 
one  of  Dr.  Plunket's  old  collegiate  friends,  writes  from 
Paris  : — 

"  Where  this  letter  is  to  reach  you,  at  Navan  or  Armagh,  is 
more  than  I  can  at  present  conjecture  ;  'tis,  however,  my  most 
ardent  wish  it  may  not  fall  into  the  hands  of  a  Primate.  Do 
me  the  justice  to  believe  that  nothing  could  damp  the  sensible 
joy  the  news  of  your  promotion  would  afford  me,  but  the  well- 
grounded  apprehensions  for  the  loss  of  your  health  and  peace 


THE   BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DK.   PLUNKET.  65 

of  mind,  and  I  fear  the  turbulent  canons  of  Armagh  would 
shortly  impair  the  one  and  soon  rob  you  of  the  other. 

"  May  the  all  and  sweet  disposing  providence  of  the  Almighty, 
to  whose  arbitration  and  guidance  you  have  always  committed 
your  person  and  concerns,  continue  in  this  critical  moment  to 
guide  and  direct  you  to  the  best ;  be  the  choice  conformable  or 
contrary  to  our  wishes  and  desires. 

"  I  have  had  the  honour  and  pleasure  of  writing  to  you 
several  times  since  your  happy  arrival  in  Ireland.  Friendship 
has  pleaded  all  possible  excuses  in  your  favour,  one  alone  ex- 
cepted,  on  which  the  mind  never  could  dwell  with  pleasure,  to 
which  the  will  never  would  have  consented.  I  mean  total 
forgetfuluess  and  utter  renunciation  of  all  former  ties.  Provi- 
dence has  wisely  provided  for  our  happiness ;  let  the  evil  be 
ever  so  imminent  and  near  at  hand,  the  imagination  loves  to 
place  it  at  a  distance.  It  exhibits  the  objects  of  our  fears  or 
hopes  with  the  most  favourable  colourings  ;  gives  an  appearance 
of  probability  to  what  is  really  impossible  ;  and  throws  in  even 
hope  contrary  to  hope.  Should  this  picture  be  mine,  I  have 
one  favour  to  call  for,  which  I  hope  will  not  be  refused ;  rob 
me  not  of  this  pleasing  illusion  ;  let  me  still  think  I  may  call 
Dr.  Plunket  my  friend. 

"  I  hope  Mr.  Peter  Keilly  is  still  among  the  living.  I  have 
written  to  him  about  two  months  ago,  but  I  find  the  common 
adage  verifiedin  him,  viz.,  the  example  of  the  great  is  contagious. 
He  is,  doubtless,  at  present  a  capital  missioner.  Your  silence, 
I  am  confident,  is  not  the  only  point  in  which  he  has  copied 

after  your  Lordship Abbe  Colbert  is  Bishop 

of  Rhodes,  and  Cardinal  Salviati  is  Protector  of  Ireland.    Your 
books  have  arrived  at  Bordeaux. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  my  Lord, 

"  Your  unalterable  friend  and  humble  servant, 

"P.  FLOOD." 

On  the  19th  of  February,  1781,  Dr.  Plunket  received 
the  following  letter  from  his  old  and  valued  friend,  the 
President  of  the  Irish  College  of  Paris  : — 

"  I  received,  a  few  days  ago,  a  letter  from  one  Mrs.  Bird,  in 
Drogheda,  with  a  nomination  enclosed,  for  one  of  Joseph 
Kelly's  burses,  in  favour  of  a  young  lad  actually  in  the  house. 
This  Mrs.  Bird  is  sister  to  the  late  incumbent,  Thomas  Taaffe, 

F 


66  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

•who  died  in  Paris  some  years  ago,  and  the  young  man  she 
names  is  son  to  Mr.  Marron,  in  Drogheda.  I  am  at  a  loss  how 
to  act  in  regard  of  this  nomination,  as  I  can  neither  find  the 
Foundation  Act,  nor  any  other  papers  regarding  it,  which 
might  clear  up  the  matter  or  satisfy  my  doubts  upon  it : — 1st, 
I  doubt  if  any  of  these  burses  exists,  at  least  on  the  foot  of 
burses  ;  for  I  fancy  I  heard  Mr.  Kelly,  Mr.  Cahill,  and  you  say, 
more  than  once,  that  they  were  to  be  extinct  after  a  certain 
period  of  time,  which,  I  am  inclined  to  believe,  is,  ere  now, 
elapsed.  2nd,  such  nominations  as  I  find  here,  and  as  have 
been  given  heretofore,  suppose  the  foundation  to  have  been 
made  for  subjects  of  the  diocese  of  Dublin  alone.  3rd,  these 
nominations  have  been  given  either  by  the  Archbishop  of 
Dublin,  or  by  Mr.  Dowdall,  late  of  Dublin.  4th,  it  seems  odd 
that  a  woman  should  name  to  them  ;  and  this  is  the  more 
strange  as  it  is  the  only  precedent  I  find,  among  all  my  papers, 
of  a  female  nomination.  5th,  are  there  two  burses,  or  is  there 
only  one  ?  I  beg  you  will  give  me  all  the  insight  you  can  into 

this  affair,  and  that  as  soon  as  possible 

"  Mr.  Nowlan,  of  Bordeaux,  tells  me  he  has  received  your 
trunks  and  effects  in  a  better  condition  than  he  could  expect. 
The  carriage,  &c.,  amounted  to  200tt,  for  which  I  prayed  him 
to  draw  on  me  on  sight.  He  answered  me,  saying  he  had 
written  to  your  Lordship  about  it,  and  that  it  would  be  indeli- 
cate to  accept  my  offer  until  he  was  favoured  with  your  further 
directions.  You  know  I  am  always  ready.  For  God's  sake,  I 
repeat  it,  send  me  immediately  all  the  directions  and  all  the 
traditional  knowledge  you  have  of  Walsh's  burses. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  With  the  tenderest  sentiments  of  love  and  respect, 

"  My  Lord,  and  most  honoured  friend, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  sincere,  most  affectionate, 
and  obedient  servant, 

"  J.  MAKKY." 

The  worthy  President  of  the  Irish  College  at  Doway 
wrote  thus  to  Dr.  Plunket,  on  the  12th  of  Mirch,  1781 : — 

"I  have  written  to  your  Lordship  lately  by  hand,  viz.,  by  a 
Mr.  Michael  Eeilly,  a  clergyman  of  the  seminary,  yet,  as  I  have 


THE   BISHOPS    OF   MEATH — DR.    PLUNKET.  67 

reason  to  apprehend  my  letter  hath  not  been  handed  to  you, 
though  I  would  not  willingly  be  expensive  by  my  letters,  I  can't, 
however,  well  avoid  troubling  your  Lordship  with  one  now. 

"  In  a  former  one,  I  observed  to  you,  my  Lord,  that  a  Mr. 
Kedagh  Geoghegan,  a  priest  of  your  diocese,  residing  in  or  about 
Fore,  owed  this  seminary  [the  sum  is  illegible].  I  have  his  note 
of  the  17th  of  June,  1770,  for  this  sum.  The  rapidity  of  your 
progress  to  Flanders,  in  your  return  to  Ireland,  did  not  permit 
me  to  speak  to  you  of  this  debt.  You  are  sensible  any  outstand- 
ing debts,  how  small  and  trifling  soever,  must  be  detrimental  to 
a  seminary,  not  only  unendowed,  but  also  sunk  in  debt,  and 
struggling  hard  to  subsist  in  a  moderate  way,  and  to  pay  credi- 
tors by  degrees.  Were  all  I  had  here  punctual  in  paying  what 
they  owed  the  house,  I  had  not  been  exposed  to  the  mortifying 
importunity  of  poor  creditors,  nor  to  the  humiliating  apologies 
I  so  frequently  make  for  insolvency  and  disappointment.  I 
must,  therefore,  earnestly  beseech  your  lordship  to  give  positive, 
direct,  and  immediate  orders  to  Rev.  Mr.  Geoghegan  to  pay  this 
money  without  further  delay,  either  to  your  Lordship,  or  to 
anyone  you  think  proper,  who  may  send  me  a  bill  for  it,  either 
on  Paris  or  London. 

"  The  superiors  of  the  English  College  present  their  respectful 
compliments  to  your  Lordship,  and  both  they  and  myself  re- 
quest you'll  exert  your  influence  on  a  Mr.  Higgins,  in  your 
diocese,  to  engage  him  to  pay,  without  any  further  procrastina- 
tion, .£37  17s.,  English  currency,  due  these  four  years  past,  for 
board  and  clothes  of  his  son,  to  the  English  College.  The  gen- 
tlemen superiors  of  that  excellent  and  respectable  establishment 
have  been  very  generous  to  this  seminary,  and  I  can't  help  being 
concerned,  at  the  many  losses  they  sustained  from  the  Irish.  I 
congratulate  with  you  very  sincerely  for  the  reputation  you  have 
so  deservedly  acquired  among  the  nobility*  and  gentry  of  a 
persuasion  different  from  ours.  May  you  long  continue,  my 
Lord,  to  be  justly  admired  by  our  adversaries  in  faith,  and  to 
reflect  honour  justly  on  yourself,  and  the  Irish  Hierarchy.  I 
wish  it  Avith  great  sincerity.  A  report  obtained  here  for  a  time 
that  you  were  named  to  the  Primatial  See  of  Armagh.  Though 
none  be  better  qualified  to  fill  the  first  place  in  the  Church  of 
Ireland,  I  know  not,  if  I  should  wish  it,  how  strongly  soever  I 
]>j  attached  to  you,  from  an  apprehension  that  you  would  not  be 

*  The  Protestant  gentry  of  Meath  were  most  respectful  to  Dr.  Plunket. 


68  THE  BISHOPS  OP  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

as  happy  in  it  as  you  are  at  present.  However,  if  the  Supreme 
Disposer  of  all  things  calls  you  to  that  station,  I  doubt  not  but 
your  conciliating  disposition  will  effect  a  general  coalition  of  all 
parties,  and  re-establish  subordination,  peace,  and  concord  in 
the  first  See  of  the  Church  of  Ireland,  a  see  so  long  torn  with 

discord,  anarchy,  and  faction Have  you 

been  at  Thurles  with  the  excellent  little  Archbishop  yet.  I  have 
the  same  opinion  of  him  as  your  Lordship,  and  I  have  no  doubt 
that  the  more  you  know  each  other  the  better  you  shall  like  each 
other. 

"The  gentlemen  of  the  English  College,  Bishop  Sharrock, 
still  prior  of  the  monks,  and  Messrs,  [erased]  present  their  kind 

compliments I  have  tired  your  patience,  though 

I  shall  ever  be,  my  Lord, 

"  Your  most  sincere  and  affectionate  friend  and  servant, 

"  LUKE  MACKlERNAN." 

On  the  22nd  of  September,  same  year,  Dr.  MacKiernan 
again  writes  from  Doway  to  Dr.  Pluiiket : — 

"  I  am  just  returned  from  Paris,  where  I  spent  almost  two 
months.  Your  Lordship  will  easily  believe  that  the  Bishop  of 
Meath  hath  very  frequently  been  the  leasing  theme  of  your 
friends  there.  I  was,  however,  sorry  to  find  an  universal  mur- 
mur amongst  your  best  friends  in  the  capital,  at  your  extraor- 
dinary silence.  Some  of  them,  I  was  assured,  were  not  honoured 
with  a  single  line  from  you  since  you  returned  to  Ireland ;  and 
Mr.  Flood,  one  of  the  most  attached  to  you,  is  one  of  these.  I 
thought  myself  hardly  dealt  by  you  in  this  particular,  but 
on  hearing  the  complaints  of  others,  I  think  I  have  been 
distinguished  above  many,  by  the  two  letters  I  have  had  from 
you  these  two  years  past.  Is  it  possible,  my  Lord,  that  a  prelate 
so  remarkable  for  every  generous  and  conciliating  quality,  can 
be  so  totally  absorbed  in  the  functions  of  the  Episcopacy  as  to 
alarm  your  friends  with  the  sad  apprehension  of  being  soon 
erased  out  of  your  mind  1  Pray  excuse  this  liberty,  my  Lord  ; 
it  flows  from  a  heart  inviolably  attached  to  you. 

'  Let  me  beg  of  you  to  employ  your  authority  to  cause  Rev. 
Kedagh  Geoghegan  to  pay  me  1 1 6  [erased],  due  to  me  these  twelve 
years  past.  I  am  cruelly  distressed  by  this,  and  similar  insol- 
vencies  Dr.  Brady  is  here  and  salutes  you  kindly. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  69 

He  passes  this  winter  in  the  seminary.  ...  I  beg  to  con- 
clude, with  every  assurance  of  veneration  and  affection,  with 
which  I  am,  my  Lord,  your  most  faithful  friend  and  servant, 

"  LUKE  MACKlERNAN." 

On  the  10th  of  November,  1781,  Dr.  Moylan,  Bishop  of 
"Kerry,  wrote  from  Killarney  : — 

"  On  my  journey  last  week  to  Tralee,  I  there  met  with  a  let- 
ter from  Mr  ^[obliterated].  As  the  descriptive  account  he  gives 
of  the  influence  of  the  Regulars  at  Rome,  and  in  particular  with 
Salviati,  seems  to  regard  particularly  the  affairs  of  Armagh,  I 
shall  transcribe  that  paragraph  for  your  Lordship's  perusal. 
After  referring  me  to  a  letter  he  mentions  to  have  written 
above  two  months  before  (which  letter  I  never  received),  he  says, 
— '  I  expected  you  would  have  said  something  to  me  in  conse- 
quence of  what  I  hinted  in  my  last  relative  to  the  superior  in- 
fluence the  Friars  are  daily  gaining  here  ;  and  am  surprised  to 
find  your  Lordship  silent  upon  so  interesting  a  subject.  The 
appointment  of  Ossory  to  be  Administrator  of  Armagh  ought 
surely  awaken  a  little  jealousy  in  all  the  right  rev.  prelates  who 
feel  for  the  honour  and  support  of  the  hierarchy,  and  caution 
them  against  the  danger  of  that  prelate's  being  raised  to  the 
primacy.  I  shan't  take  on  me  to  say  that  his  lordship  aspires 
so  high,  but  I  know  for  certain  that  his  partisans  do,  and  that 
they  are  actually  employing  all  the  intrigue  and  interest  they 
are  capable  of,  to  secure  it  to  him.  They  have  a  good  back  in 
our  Protector,  who  is  rather  weak,  and  whose  insurmountable 
dislike  of  application  to  business  or  books  lays  him  open  to  their 
intrigues,  and  exposes  him  to  be  the  dupe  of  a  venal  auditor,  to 
whom  his  Eminence  extends  the  management  of  all  his  affairs.' 

"  From  these  hints  of  Mr.  S  [obliterated],  which  I  am  sure  can 
be  depended  upon,  we  should  exert  our  most  spirited  endeavours 
to  counteract  the  intrigues  of  the  Regulars,  and  to  prevent  the 
increase  of  that  influence  which  they  seem  to  have  gained  in  the 
Sacred  Congregation.  The  choice  we  have  made  of  an  agent, 
who  has  spirit,  activity,  and  interest,  will,  I  hope,  contribute 
much  thereto ;  and  when  Mr.  S.  learns  that  he  is  to  be  honoured 
with  that  charge,  I  am  confident  he  will  strain  every  nerve  to 
prove  himself  not  unworthy  of  the  confidence  we  have  in  him. 
i  ....  From  the  Nuncio's  answer  to  Dr.  Butler's  letter, 
which  I  know  his  Grace  communicated  to  your  Lordship,  it 


70  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLCTNKET. 

seems  he  has  entered  into  the  spirit  of  it ;  and,  if  his  represen- 
tations to  Eome  correspond  with  the  impression  it  has  made  on 
him,  we  may  expect  that  a  Regular  will  not  be  appointed  to  the 
primacy.  I  shall  be  impatient  to  hear  of  the  success  of  your 
memorial,  I  flatter  myself  it  will  be  duly  attended  to. 

"  I  learn  with  pleasure  that  there  is  the  strongest  reason  to 
hope  for  a  repeal  of  most  of  the  penal  statutes  this  session  of  Par- 
liament. Adieu,  my  ever  dear  and  most  honoured  Lord.  May 
God's  choicest  blessings  ever  attend  you.  Remember  me,  I  beg 
the  favour,  before  the  Throne  of  Mercy,  and  be  ever  persuaded 
of  the  most  unfeigned  sentiments  of  respect  and  friendship,  with 
which  I  have  the  honour  of  being,  your  Lordship's 

"  Most  affectionate  and  most  obedient  servant, 

•      "F.  MOYLAN." 


CHAPTER  VII. 

1782. 

LETTERS  FROM  DR.  BUTLER. — LETTER  OF  DR.  PLUNKET  TO 
THE  REV.  FATHER  BETAGH. — LETTER  OF  DR.  EGAN,  BISHOP 
OF  WATERFORD. — LETTERS  FROM  OLD  COLLEGIATE 
FRIENDS. — LETTER  FROM  DR.  BUTLER. 

ON  the  13th  of  January,  1782,  Dr.  Butler  writes  to  Dr. 
Plunket,  from  Thurles  : — 

"  As  I  purpose  being  in  Dublin,  please  God,  on  Tuesday,  the 
22nd,  the  only  purport  of  my  writing  these  few  lines  is  to  ap- 
prize your  Lordship  of  my  intentions,  and  to  acknowledge,  at 
the  same  time,  the  receipt  of  your  last  kind  letter  of  the  8th 
inst.,  the  contents  of  which  I  hope  to  answer  more  fully  and 
satisfactorily,  by  word  of  mouth,  when  I  shall  have  the  pleasure 
of  seeing  you.  Hence  it  is  that  I'll  add  nothing  more  now  than 
the  sincere  assurances  of  the  most  unfeigned  attachment  and 
respect  of,  my  ever  dear  Lord, 

"  Your  most  affectionate  and  humble  servant, 

"JAMES  BUTLER." 

On  the  24th  of  April  he  writes  again  from  Thurles  : — 

"If  long  expectation  and  the  greatest  earnestness  to  hear 
D  you  could  enhance  the  merit  of  your  letters  in  my  eyes, 


THE   BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DK.   PLUNKET.  71 

nothing  was  wanting  to  render  your  last  most  agreeable.  Having 
written  with  the  greatest  expedition  from  Dublin  to  your  Lord- 
ship, to  impart  to  you  news  most  pleasing,  viz.,  the  happy 
tidings  of  the  first  success  of  our  Bill,  in  the  grant  of  liberty  of 
property  and  liberty  of  conscience,  and  the  exclusion  of  three 
alarming  clauses,  I  expected  an  immediate  answer ;  your  delay 
surprised  me,  and  gave  cause  to  apprehensions  about  your  health, 
which,  thank  God,  have  been  dispelled  by  your  good-natured 
letter. 

"  The  compliments  you  are  so  kind  to  pay  to  Dr.  Egan's  and 
to  mine  endeavours  in  Dublin,  your  Lordship  has  an  equal  title 
to.  You  were  with  us  in  laying  out  our  plan  of  action  ;  and  the 
sanction  of  your  approbation  confirmed  me  in  the  opinion  of  the 
propriety  of  our  resolves. 

"  I  am  informed  by  Dr.  Molloy  that  Dr.  Reilly,  Coadjutor  to 
Kildare,  is  pitched  upon  for  Coadjutor  to  Armagh — is  it 
true  1  Abbe  Preston  must  be  at  present  in  Ireland,  as  Lord 
Gormanstown  expected  him. 

"I  believe  our  Bill  will  pass  triumphant  in  the  House  of  Lords. 
I  long  to  see  it  all  concluded.  We  are  levying  money  here,  pur- 
suant to  Lord  Kenmare's  and  Sir  Patrick  Bellew's  request,  in 
order  to  make  presents  to  Counsellor  Macnamara  and  other 
friends  in  London.  What  are  you  doing  in  Meath  1  The  omis- 
sion of  the  clause  hurtful  to  the  Friars  gives  me  pleasure,  and  I 
hope  will  soothe  them.  When  do  you  begin  your  visitation  ? 
I  shall  open  mine  in  the  middle  of  May.  We  must  regulate  our 
motions  so  as  to  meet  on  the  confines  of  our  respective  districts. 
All  friends  here  desire  to  be  most  kindly  remembered  to  you ; 
whilst  I  remain,  with  the  most  sincere  attachment,  esteem,  and 
respect,  my  ever  dear  Lord, 

"  Your  most  affectionate  friend  and  humble  servant, 

"  JAMES  BUTLER." 

On  the  4th  of  July  he  writes  from  Tipperary  : — 

"  On  my  road  to  Cork  to  meet  the  prelates  of  the  province, 
who  are  to  assemble  there  on  the  13th,  I  write  to  your  Lord- 
ship, to  beg  you'll  let  me  know  whether  the  prelates  of  Ulster 
are  desirous  that  we  should  concur  with  them  in  resenting  the 
fatal  blow  that  has  been  given  to  the  rights  of  our  hierarchy  in 
the  late  proceedings  in  Armagh,  the  injury  done  to  the  sub- 


72  THE  BISHOPS  OF  AIEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

ordination  requisite  in  every  diocese,  and  the  encouragement 
given  to  every  clergyman  to  rise  up  against  his  bishop,  when 
old  and  infirm,  when  a  suspension  can  be  granted  and  obtained 
upon  such  easy  terms  as  the  allegation  of  old  age,  infirmities, 
and  disagreement  between  him  and  his  clergy.  I  am  told  you 
got  an  unsavoury  answer  from  Rome  ;  I  request  you'll  send  it 
to  me.  I  have  only  time  to  add  the  assurances,  of  what  you  are 
convinced,  that  no  one  can  be  more  attached  to  you  than 

"  Your  affectionate, 

"  JAMES  BUTLER." 


On  the  1st  of  September  he  writes  from  Thurles  : — 

"  Your  Lordship's  attention,  in  transmitting  to  me  a  copy  of 
the  Sacred  Congregation's  answer  to  the  resolutions  of  your  pro- 
vincial meeting  in  Drogheda,  claimed  a  much  speedier  acknow- 
ledgement, and  should  have  met  with  it  had  T  been  sufficiently 
master  of  my  time.  From  the  middle  of  July,  when  we  had 
our  provincial  meeting,  and  where  we  were  eight  bishops 
assembled,  till  this  moment,  my  life  has  been  one  continual 
hurry  of  business.  On  several  occasions  I  proposed  writing  to 
you,  and  as  often  I  was  obliged  to  put  it  off.  I  attempt  it  now, 
and  hope  I  may  conclude  it.  The  reflections  in  the  letter  of  the 
Congregation  on  the  resolutions  of  the  Drogheda  meeting  will 
require  several  explications  from  the  prelates  concerned,  to 
blunt  the  edge  of  them.  Some,  to  be  sure,  seem  well  grounded, 
and  will  be  a  subject  of  triumph  to  the  appellants,  and  a  farther 
encouragement  to  appeals.  The  Munster  prelates  have  not  lost 
sight  of  the  wound  which  the  honour  of  our  hierarchy  received 
in  the  suspension  of  our  Primate,  without  any  canonical  crime 
alleged ;  in  the  raising  his  opponents  to  the  highest  dignities, 
and  the  inattention  shewn  to  the  remonstrances  of  the  provincial 
bishops  on  the  cause  of  the  disputes  between  the  Primate  and 
his  clergy.  They  have  commissioned  me  to  examine  into  every 
particular  of  the  whole  proceeding,  and  to  write  a  letter  in  the 
name  of  the  bishops  of  the  province,  to  the  Sacred  Congregation, 
expressive'of  our  alarms  thereon 

"  I  think  we  had  agreed  with  Dr.  Carpenter  that  one  or  two 
bishops  from  every  province  should  meet  in  Dublin  about  the 
end  of  September.  Let  me  know  if  such  agreement  holds  good, 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  73 

that  I  may  regulate  myself  accordingly.  I  purpose  convening  a 
Diocesan  Synod  in  October,  in  order  to  prepare  for  our  solemn 
Provincial  Synod,  which,  at  our  last  meeting  in  Cork,  on  the 
llth  of  July,  we  agreed  to  hold  every  three  years,  with  the 
same  solemnities  as  in  Catholic  countries.  What  have  your 
bishops  determined  on  the  letter  of  the  Sacred  Congregation  to 
them  1  How  is  my  worthy  friend,  Dr.  Reilly,  liked  in  Armagh  ? 
What  are  Abbe  Preston's  sentiments  on  your  provincial  affairs! 
^Have  you  almost  finished  your  visitation  ]  I  have  about  a  third 
part  of  my  diocese  still  to  visit.  How  have  you  and  your 
colleague  of  Meath  agreed  about  the  late  Education  Bill  1  Dr. 
Agar  assured  me  he'd  license  no  R.  C.  schoolmaster  but  such  as 
would  bring  a  certificate  of  approbation  from  me.  He  is  all 
gracious  to  me  ;  invites  me  when  I  come  to  Cashel  to  take  a 
bed  in  his  palace,  and  shews  me  the  greatest  attention.  I  hope 
your  health  is  as  good  as  I  wish,  and  that  you'll  not  take  notice 
of  my  having  let  August  pass  without  writing  to  you,  especially 
as  I  am  so  near  the  time,  this  being  the  1st  of  September. 
I  shall  write  to  you  again  during  the  month,  and  I 
remain  now,  my  dear  Lord, 

"  Your  ever  affectionate  servant, 

"JAMES  BUTLER." 

Dr.  Butler  writes  from  Thurles  on  the  27th  of  October. 

"  You  are  now,  I  believe,  returned  home  from  your  visita- 
tions, and  I  may  wish  you  all  joy  on  the  happy  conclusion  of  so. 

laborious  a  function I  certainly  would  have  met 

you  near  Birr,  or  at  Mr.  Dunn's,  only  I  had  marked  out  visita- 
tions for  some  parishes  of  my  diocese  at  the  time  you  were 
in  that  neighbourhood.  Thank  God,  I  have  but  three  or  four 
parishes  more  to  visit,  and  I  would  have  had  finished  some  of 
them  only  for  a  Diocesan  Synod  which,  profiting  of  the  late 
Act  allowing  us  all  liberty  in  our  chapels,  I  held  for  three  days 
in  the  chapel  of  Thurles.  We  enacted  several  statutes,  of  which 
I  shall  send  your  Lordship  a  copy  when  they  will  be  transcribed 
I  am  most  obliged  to  you  for  the  copy  you  sent  me  of  your 
answer  to  Rome.  I  considered  it  very  satisfactory,  but  I  am 
afraid  that  it  will  not  appear  so  to  their  Eminences.  I  shall  be 
curious  to  know  their  answer.  How  go  on  affairs  in  Armagh  ? 
I  hope  all  is  quiet.  When  you  see  Dr.  Reilly,  please  to  re- 
member me  to  him.  If  you  can  find  any  Act  of  Parliament 


74  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNK  ET. 

positively  allowing  legal  interest,  I  beg  you'll  send  it  to  me.  I 
can  find  none  but  such  as  seem  rather  to  limit  the  sum  when 
there  are  the  usual  titles  of  "  lucrum  cessans  and  damnum  emer- 
gens,"  than  openly  to  permit  it.  I  had  always  thought  in  this 
country  there  were  Acts  positively  allowing  interest  by  way  of 
a  premium  to  encourage  the  circulation  of  capital,  but  after  all 
researches  I  can  find  none.  Your  Lordship  may  perceive  I 
write  this  in  a  very  great  hurry,  having  only  time  to  add  the 
assurances  of  all  that  is  most  kind  from,  my  very  dear  Lord, 
your  ever  affectionate  servant, 

"JAMES  BUTLER." 


On  the  23rd  of  November  he  writes  from  Thurles  : — 

"  It  would  be  unpardonable  on  my  part  were  I  not  to  write 
a  supernumerary  letter  to  assure  you  how  joyful  I  was  to  see  by 
the  answer  you  and  the  bishops  of  Armagh  received  from  Rome, 
of  which  Dr.  Troy  was  so  obliging  as  to  give  me  a  copy,  written 
by  his  own  hand,  that  Rome  was  satisfied  with  your  apology. 
May  you  and  the  prelates  of  Ireland  never  receive  any  repri- 
mands from  that  Court  but  what  is  the  offspring  of  misrepre- 
sentation. After  requesting  you'll  answer  my  last  letter,  as  I 
am  impatient  to  know  how  your  Lordship  is  after  the  fatigues 
of  your  visitation,  of  which  Doctor  Dan  Delaney,  whom  I  saw 
lately,  gave  me  an  account,  highly  to  the  honour  of  your  zeal 
and  attention. 

"  I  must  beg  you'll  enquire  about  some  person  who  has 
influence  with  Mr.  George  Lowther  of  Kilbrew,  Mrs.  Lowther, 
his  mother,  has  been  separated  from  Mr.  Lowther  these  several 
years  past,  and  is  at  present  in  a  most  miserable  condition.  My 
uncle  writes  to  me  that  her  misery  was  so  great  as  to  be  obliged 
to  pawn  a  silver  fork  and  spoon  for  relief.  Some  friends,  my 
uncle  writes,  were  in  the  habit  of  sending  her  sixty  pounds  per 
year  for  her  support,  but  as  she  has  not  received  the  thirty 
pounds  that  she  expected  in  May,  she  has  been  obliged  to  in- 
debt  herself  to  that  amount.  If  your  Lordship  could  get  any 
friend  who  has  interest  with  her  son  to  speak  in  her  behalf,  my 
uncle  writes  that  he's  sure  he'd  do  something  for  her.  She  is 
really  an  object  of  charity,  and  you'll  do  a  good  work  if  you 
can  contrive  to  procure  her  any  assistance 

"  I  long  to  hear  from  you ;  pray  do  write  and  let  me  know 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  75 

you  are  as  well  as  I  wish  you.     Adieu.     Yours  most  affec- 
tionately, 

"JAMES  BUTLER." 

On  the  5th  of  September,*  1 782,  Dr.  Plunket  writes 
from  Navan  to  his  old  and  esteemed  friend,  Father 
Betagh : — 

"  DEAR  AND  HONOURED  FRIEND, 

"  The  continual  motion,  as  well  as  business  of  the  visita- 
tion, obliged  me  to  defer  writing  to  you  until  my  return  to  Navan. 
I  am  now  at  home  about  a  week,  and  found  as  little  leisure  as 
during  my  excursion.  I  have  employed  about  two  months  in 
visiting  thirty-four  parishes;  this  was  not  the  quick  step  of  last 
year  which  you  did  not  approve.  I  returned  in  better  health 
than  when  I  began  my  journey.  In  general,  I  experienced  a 
change  for  the  better,  notwithstanding  some  severe  business. 
I  met  but  very  few  young  men  on  the  road  to  learning  and 
knowledge.  Your  school  was  the  only  one  I  recommended. 
You  probably  have  heard  that  the  bishops  of  the  province  of 
Armagh  met  according  to  agreement.  The  Coadjutor  was  at 
Drogheda  before  us.  We  sounded  his  dispositions  relative  to 
our  resolutions  of  last  year.  We  clearly  saw  that  he  was  of  the 
same  opinion  with  the  Sacred  Congregation ;  and  particularly 
that  he  understood  the  last  resolution,  concerning  appeals,  in  the 
first  instance  in  the  same  distorted  sense  which  never  entered 
our  heads.  In  consequence  of  this  discovery,  we  determined  to 
draw  up  our  defence  without  his  participation.  I  reasoned  in 
this  manner  with  his  Lordship,  to  reconcile  him  to  our  deter- 
mination. '  Either  you  will  approve  our  justification  or  will 


*  On  the  25th  of  September,  same  year,  Dr.  Flood  writes  from  Paris  :  — 
"  I  have  got,  within  these  six  days,  two  vacancies  for  the  province  of 
Leinster,  the  one  by  the  sudden  death  of  Mr.  Francis  Flood  of  Ardagh,  the 
other  by  the  unexpected  departure  of  a  Mr.  Murphy  from  Ferns.  Both  are  at 
your  Lordship's  disposal.  My  good  friend,  Mr.  Fleming  of  Donore,  has 
solicited  lately  in  favour  of  a  Mr.  Rickard,  one  of  his  flock.  I  should  much 
rejoice  to  hear  that  this  gentlemen  prove  agreeable  to  your  Lordship,  to 
nil  one  of  these  vacancies.  Should  you  think  proper  to  send  three  more 
next  May,  they  shall  be  received.  These  are  the  only  vacancies  that  are 
likely  to  occur  next  season.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  the  greatest 
respect,  my  Lord,  your  Lordship's  most  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

"P.  FLOOD." 


76  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

not ;  if  you  do,  you  may  commence  your  administration  by  dis- 
pleasing the  Sacred  Congregation.  If  you  do  not  approve  it, 
you  will  begin  by  sowing  the  seeds  of  dissension  between  our- 
selves in  this.  The  late  resolutions  do  not  regard  you  ;  we 
will  write  to  Rome  to  defend  the  plain  sense  of  our  words  with- 
out troubling  your  Lordship,  and  will  afterwards  meet  you 
when  and  where  you  please.'  This  proposal  was  by  no  means 
relished  by  him,  nor  did  he  conceal  his  dissatisfaction.  The 
suffragans,  however,  met  apart,  and  drew  up  their  apologetic 
defence  ;  we  afterwards  assembled  with  the  Coadjutor,  did  but 
little  business,  but  resolved  to  meet  next  year  at  Armagh,  the 
capital  of  the  province.  I  send  you  enclosed  a  copy  of  our 
answer  to  the  late  letter  of  the  Propaganda.  We  address  it  to 
the  Pope  himself,  and  have  not  written  a  word  to  the  Sacred 
Congregation.  Tell  me  your  opinion  of  it  as  soon  as  you  can. 
I  shall  be  in  Navan  until  the  beginning  or  middle  of  next  week. 
I  beg  to  be  remembered  to  our  friends  in  Thomas- 
street,  and  to  Messrs.  Mulcail  and  Fullam;  and  am,  with  unalter- 
able esteem  and  friendship,  dear  and  honoured  friend,  your 
most  affectionate  and  devoted  humble  servant, 

"P.  J.  PLUNKET." 

On  the  12th  of  December,  1782,  Dr.  William  Egan, 
Bishop  of  Waterford,  wrote  from  Clonmel  to  Dr.  Plunket. 

"  MY  MOST  HONOURED  AND  EVER  DEAR  LORD, 

"  On  my  return  home,  after  an  absence  of  some  days, 
Mr.  Power  shewed  me  the  letter  of  the  16th  of  last  month,  with 
which  your  Lordship  honoured  him.  You  will  easily  judge 
that  your  friendly  and  obliging  mention  of  me  awakened  all  my 
affection  and  gratitude,  as  it  ought  to  do ;  and  yet  I  had  as  full 
a  claim  to  it  as  the  warmest  heart  for  your  Lordship  could  give 
me.  I  resolved  immediately  to  avail  myself  of  what  you  had 
written,  to  write  to  you  myself;  indeed,  I  often  wished  for  a 
decent  opportunity  to  do  this  ;  besides  my  private  view  to  my 
own  gratification,  in  a  correspondence  by  which  I  must  be  a 
gainer,  with  one  for  whom  I  had  every  affection  and  respect. 

"  I  always  considered  that  a  constant  communication  between 
those  of  our  station  throughout  the  kingdom  with  each  other, 
must  promote  the  cause  of  religion,  and  might  bring  us  at  last 
to  that  uniformity  of  sentiment  and  practice — to  that  unlimited 
confidence  in  one  another,  which  would  be  the  support  of  our 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  77 

ministry,  and  should  be  our  consolation  under  the  difficulties 
we  meet  with  in  the  discharge  of  it.  I  think,  with  your  Lord- 
ship, that  what  regards  our  colleges  in  Spain  should  be  con- 
ducted, as  nearly  as  could  be,  with  the  joint  concurrence,  or  at 
least  after  the  deliberation,  of  all  our  prelates.  Had  this  been 
hitherto  done,  those  establishments  would  bid  fair  to  be  more 
useful  than  from  their  present  appearances  they  seem  likely  to 
be.  I  received,  from  the  Rector  of  Alcala,  a  letter  similar  to 
that  which  he  wrote  to  your  Lordship,  but  I  did  not  think  it 
advisable  to  answer  him.  He  seemed  to  me,  though  he  hinted 
to  have  written  from  high  authority,  to  speak  only  from  him- 
self, and  from  a  desire  to  counteract  the  intended  union  of  the 
two  houses.  Now,  though  my  private  opinion  was  heretofore 
against  the  union,  yet  as  that  measure  had  been  adopted  as  a 
favourite  one  by  the  Court,  and  enforced  by  a  Royal  Decree,  I 
imagined  that  an  opposition  to  it  from  us  might  be  offensive, 
would  be  fruitless,  and,  it  may  be,  afford  an  handle  to  suppress 
both  the  houses,  without  being  of  advantage  to  either  of  them. 
I  mention  that  my  opinion  was  heretofore  against  the  union. 
I  was  led  to  it  because  I  conceived  that  an  emulation  between 
the  students  of  two  houses  would  promote  their  respective  ap- 
plication ;  because  the  vicinity  of  Alcala  to  the  Court,  from 
which  it  is  but  about  six  leagues  distant,  would,  I  hoped,  bring 
protection  and  support  to  the  Irish  there,  and  because  if  any 
untoward  contingency,  which,  considering  the  genius  of  our 
people,  was  not  impossible  to  happen,  should  occasion  the  dis- 
grace or  ruin  of  one  house,  it  would  be  fortunate  to  have 
another  still  subsisting  to  resort  to,  and  from  thence,  it  might 
be,  to  repair  the  misfortune  of  the  other.  But  I  have  lately 
spoken  this  point  over  with  Mr.  Lean,  who  was  formerly  a 
student,  and  latterly  Rector  of  Alcala  ;  and  with  Mr.  Power, 
who  was  a  student  likewise,  and  subsequently  Rector  of 
Salamanca,  and  is  perfectly  acquainted  with  both  places.  These 
two  gentlemen  are  decidedly  for  the  propriety  of  the  union. 
It  would,  they  justly  observed,  be  af  mighty  saving  of  expense 
in  the  fabric,  rector,  professors,  and  servants.  The  vicinity 
of  Alcala  to  Madrid  they  considered  rather  as  disadvantageous, 
as  well  from  the  temptation  it  held  out  to  the  young  men  to 
make  idle  excursions  on  vacant  days  to  the  latter  place — a  dis- 
sipation which  the  discipline  of  the  house,  rather  unrestrained 
than  strict,  permitted  them  to  indulge  in  ;  as  also,  because  by 


78  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

being  near  the  Court  they  could,  and  from  what  has  frequently 
happened,  it  is  to  be  feared  they  would,  be  still  teazing  the 
Council,  and  defeating  the  zeal  of  a  vigilant  superior  by  ill- 
founded  complaints.  The  habitation  of  Alcala,  they  further 
remarked,  was  very  inconvenient — confined  in  the  whole  to 
eight  chambers  ;  whilst  that  of  Salamanca  was  wholesome  and 
roomy,  containing  upwards  of  fourscore  spacious  lodging  apart- 
ments, besides  every  other  office  necessary  for  a  college.  These 
reasons  appear  to  me  not  to  be  without  weight ;  they  have  at 
least  warped  me  somewhat  from  my  former  opinions.  Yet  I 
cannot  flatter  myself  with  promising  prospects  from  Salamanca, 
under  the  present  administration,  as  that  has  been  represented 
to  me  of  our  college  there  ;  and  under  the  judgment  I  form 
of  the  consequences  that  will  follow  from  the  late  Royal  Decree, 
which  regulates  the  discipline  and  studies  of  that  house,  I 
think  I  foresee  many  and  mighty  inconveniences  as  necessary 
to  result  from  these  sources.  However,  these  inconveniences, 
in  my  mind,  would  be  better  submitted  to  for  the  present  than 
directly  opposed.  Time,  and  a  zealous,  prudent,  pious  superior 
may  hereafter  by  degrees  gently  counteract  them  ;  whilst  a 
direct  opposition  might  exacerbate  rather  than  heal.  The 
complexion  of  things  in  Spain  seems  not  favourable  as  formerly 
to  the  Irish.  We  are  no  longer  considered  there  suffering  as 
heretofore  for  the  cause  of  religion.  There  would  not  be  want- 
ing, even  among  the  Spaniards,  some  griping  courtier,  or  some 
others,  to  grasp  at  the  property  of  that  college  of  ours,  and 
every  evil  at  all  tolerable  should  be  borne  with,  in  order  to 
preserve  eventually  so  noble  an  establishment.  And  it  cer- 
tainly is  a  noble  establishment,  which,  well  managed,  would 
plenteously  support,  clothe,  and  teach  upwards  of  fifty  students, 
and  leave  them  a  redundancy  besides.  I  have  thrown  out  to 
your  Lordship  my  thoughts  on  this  subject,  since  you  wished 
to  have  them,  but  I  am  not  wedded  to  them.  I  will  be  always 
ready  in  this  and  in  every  other  matter  to  give  a  preference  to 
what  you  and  others  of  your  unbiassed  discernment  will,  in 
your  better  judgment,  think  preferable. 

"  I  rejoice  to  understand  from  your  letter  to  Mr.  Power  that 
you  are  in  health  and  spirits,  which  you  happily  employ  in  the 
apostolical  labours  of  your  ministry.  I  wish  you,  from  my 
whole  heart,  long  to  enjoy  the  first,  and  that  the  latter  be 
crowned  with  all  desirable  success.  But  in  the  name  of  wonder 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  79 

do  you  go  on  still  visiting  parishes  at  this  dreary  season? 
What  a  reproach  to  me,  who  am  shivering  over  a  fire.  When 
you  will  have  a  moment  to  throw  away,  I  will  be  glad  to  hear 
from  you  how  things  go  on  with  you  and  about  you.  .  .  . 
What  answer  did  your  Lordship  and  your  venerable  confreres 
receive  to  the  vindication  of  yourselves  from  the  strictures  made 
by  the  Sacred  Congregation  on  the  proceedings  at  Drogheda? 
How  do  affairs  go  on  in  Armagh  1  .  .  .  .  When  I  last 
received  a  letter  from  our  honoured  and  most  valuable  friend 
at  Thurles,  he  was  in  good  health.  It  is  some  time  since  I 
heard  from  him.  I  was  to  have  paid  him  a  visit  just  about 
this  time,  but  I  must  put  it  off  until  after  Christmas  ;  and  here, 
by  the  way,  I  wish  you  a  happy  approaching  one,  to  be  the 

earnest  of  many,  very  many  more  to  you I  have 

the  honour  to  be,  with  all  affection  and  respect,  my  most 
honoured  and  ever  dear  Lord,  your  Lordship's  most  obedient 
and  most  humble  servant, 

"  W.  EGAN." 

On  the  9th  of  January,  1782,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Flood,  one 
of  Dr.  Plunket's  oldest  and  most  attached  collegiate 
friends,  writes  from  the  Irish  College  of  the  Lombards, 
Paris : — 

"  The  honour  Mr.  O'Reilly  has  had  of  studying  under  your 
Lordship's  inspection,  renders  an  introductory  or  recommenda- 
tory letter  in  his  favour  useless,  if  not  impertinent.  He  has, 
however,  persuaded  himself,  I  am  much  at  a  loss  to  know  why, 
that  without  it  he  should  appear  rather  awkward.  My  friend- 
ship for  the  young  gentleman  is  such  as  to  gratify  him,  even  in 
this  fanciful  conceit,  tho'  at  the  risk  of  being  charged  with  im- 
propriety. Let  me,  then,  beg  leave  to  recommend  him  to  your 
Lordship  as  a  pious,  moral,  zealous  ecclesiastic  ;  a  friend  to  dis- 
cipline and  regularity ;  a  declared  enemy  to  all  rebellious  and 
clandestine  associations.  He  is  a  young  man  of  honourable 
principles,  incapable  of  anything  low  or  mean,  and  if  too  nice 
a  sense  of  honour  can  be  counted  a  defect,  he  may  stand  justly 
charged  with  it.  The  want  of  an  earlier  acquaintance  with 
that  language,  in  which  speculative  theology  is  generally 
taught,  prevented  his  further  application  to  that  branch  of 
study,  but  I  am  satisfied  you  will  be  much  pleased  with  the 


80  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

progress  he  has  made  in  all  the  practical  or  moral  part  of  that 
science.  His  talents  for  declamation  are  not  common  ;  a  few 
instructions  from  your  Lordship  will  render  him  in  a  short 
time  a  consummate  orator.  If  an  unbounded  affection,  and  the 
highest  veneration  for  your  Lordship,  the  most  ardent  and  un- 
remitted  wishes  for  your  prosperity  and  welfare,  can  entitle  him 
to  any  share  in  your  good  graces,  he  has  doubtless  a  strong 
claim  on  you ;  for,  indeed,  few  can  speak  of  you  with  more 
warmth,  eulogy,  and  affection,  than  honest  Laurence  O'Reilly. 
The  bearer  will  have  the  honour  of  handing  you  the  Eoyal 
Almanac  for  the  year  1782,  together  with  the  censure  of  Abb& 
Eaynal's  "  Epocques  de  la  Nature  ;"  be' pleased  to  accept  of  them, 
for  they  come  from  a  person  whb  certainly  wishes  you  no  harm. 
You  may  recollect  to  have  formerly  seen  him  in  Paris — for 
seldom  doth  a  man  forget  the  work  of  his  own  hands.  My  Lord, 
you  have  for  a  time  made  him  too  happy  by  your  friendship  ; 
privation  becomes  more  sensitive  after  enjoyment.  Few  com- 
forts can  he  boast  of  within  the  walls  of  the  Lombards.  He 
enjoys  one,  however,  of  which  he  defies  both  the  oblivion  and 
malice  of  the  world  to  deprive  him,  He  still  can  and  will 
declare  that  he  has  the  honour  to  be,  with  the  greatest  sincerity 
and  respect,  my  Lord, 

"  Your  most  humble  servant  and  affectionate  friend, 

"P.  FLOOD." 

On  the  13th  of  October,  another  brother- professor,  the 
Rev.  J.  Marky,  writes  from  the  College  of  the  Lombards, 
Paris : — 

"  MY  DEAREST  LORD, 

"  A  few  days  ago  I  received  your  most  friendly  letter, 
and  at  the  same  time  your  young  friend,  Mr.  Meighan,  of 
whom  I  entertain  the  greatest  hopes,  not  only  on  account  of  his 
own  dispositions,  but  also  because  of  his  belonging  so  nearly  to 
your  Lordship ;  a  circumstance  which  alone  is  sufficient  to  make 
him  good,  and  which  will  most  assuredly  endear  him  to  me  in 
a  particular  manner.  I  am  entirely  satisfied  at  what  he  offers, 
being  thoroughly  satisfied  that  the  interest  of  the  house  lies  as 
near  to  your  heart  as  it  does  to  mine. 

"  The  royal  chair  has  been  pulverised  by  your  last  letter  to 
the  Eoyal  Professor.  He  is  completely  appeased,  and  I  fancy 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  81 

his  last  letter  (which,  nevertheless,  he  wrote  prior  to  the  receipt 
of  yours)  has  already  convinced  you  of  his  pacific  and  friendly 
dispositions. 

"  I  am  as  heartily  sorry  as  your  Lordship  for  having  quitted 
the  kingdom  without  finishing,  or,  at  least,  without  further 
prosecuting  the  business  you  mention  ;  and  the  rather  as  I  now 
find,  by  sad  experience,  that  a  longer  stay  in  the  country  was 
absolutely  necessary  to  confirm  the  little  stock  of  health  I  had 
acquired.  Though  I  arrived  here,  as  I  thought,  stout  and 
vigorous,  yet  the  transition  from  a  life  of  exercise  to  a  sedentary 
one  has  brought  on  a  strange  and  sudden  revolution,  and  re- 
duced me  as  low  as  ever.  If  this  continues,  you  may  expect  to 
see  med  before  next  Christmas,  when,  God  willing,  I  hope  to 
set  about  the  business  I  left  unfinished  ;  but  if  I  get  the  better 
of  my  present  indisposition,  I  shall  defer  it  till  next  summer, 
or  perhaps  later,  unless  you  recommend  an  earlier  period.  I 
beg  my  best  respects  to  Messrs.  Reilly  and  Smith,  to  Mr.  Taaffe, 
of  Violet-hill,  to  Mr.  Barnwell,  to  Mr.  Flood,  of  Kells,  to 
Mr.  Chevers,  &c.,  and  to  Mr.  Betagh,  when  you  see  or  write 
to  him,  and  the  good  family  of  Thomas-street,  whom  little 
Adrien  here  does  honour  to.  I  am,  with  unalterable  respect, 
attachment,  and  affection,  my  Lord, 

"  Your  most  devoted,  humble  servant,  until  death, 

"J.  MARKY. 

'•  P.S. — The  Royal  Professor,  who  is  just  come  in,  desires 
me  to  present  you  his  best  respects,  and  to  let  you  know  that 
instead  of  the  two  mentioned  in  his  last  letter  you  may  send 
three ;  a  third  vacancy  having  occurred  since,  by  the  departure 
of  a  Mr.  Moore  from  Kildare." 

The  following  letter,  from  Dr.  Butler  to  Dr.  Plunket, 
has  no  date,  but,  from  internal  evidence,  it  was  clearly 
written  sometime  in  1782  : — 

"  As  I  cannot  have  the  pleasure  of  meeting  your  Lordship 
in  Dublin,  where,  you  wrote  to  me,  you  purposed  being  the 
beginning  of  this  month,  I  must  have  recourse  to  pen  and  ink, 
to  acknowledge  your  last  kind  letter.  Our  Bill,  as  you  justly 
observe,  is  not  as  liberal  as  could  be  wished  with  regard  to  the 
clergy,  and  if  explained  according  to  the  letter  of  the  law, 
would  leave  us  no  exercise  of  power  or  jurisdiction,  except  in 

G 


82  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

our  places  of  worship.      All  mandates,  pastoral  letters,  colla- 
tions of  parishes,  dispensations,  &c.,  would  become  penal.     Our 
visitations,  so  useful  to  the  peace  of  the  country,  would  be  un- 
lawful ;  the  names  of  Catholic  bishops  and  priests  forbidden 
names.     But  I  believe  it  will  not  be  interpreted  in  so  rigid  a 
manner,  and  I  have  reason  to  think  so  from  what  the  Protestant 
Archbishop  of  Cashel  told  me  when  I  questioned  him  the  other 
day  upon  the  meaning  of  that  part  of  the  Act.     His  answer 
was,  that  all   meant  by  said  words  was  to  exclude  that  ve±y 
public  shew  of  authority,  such  as  is  exercised  in  countries  where 
the  Catholic  religion  is  the  religion  of  the  State.     And  in 
speaking  of  his  Grace,  I  must  let  you  know  that  he  was  uncom- 
monly polite  to  me,  invited  me  to  dinner,  offered  me  apart- 
ments in  his  palace  whenever  I  came  to  town  ;  and  this  at  a 
time  when  he  would  admit  none  of  the  gentlemen  in  the  town 
or  country  who  came  to  see  him.      He  told  me  he  advised 
Messrs.  Gardiner  and  Dillon  to  bring  in  a  new  Bill  on  Educa- 
tion, and  that  on  the  most  liberal  plan,  without  any  restric- 
tions, and  he  himself  promised  them  he  would  revise  it.     He 
assured  me  it  would  certainly  pass  this  session.      Well,  I  hear 
you  have  got  at  last  a  coadjutor  to  the  Primate,  and  that  he  is 
my  worthy  friend,  Dr.   O'Reilly  of  Kilcock.      He  is  certainly 
a  young  man  of  zeal  and  talents  ;  but  zeal  and  talents,  I  am 
afraid,  will  not  suffice  in  a  diocese  so  long  divided  by  party 
spirit,  disturbed  by  intestine  broils  and  ecclesiastical  intrigues, 
and  if  they  do  not,  he  will  be  much  to  be  pitied.     As  I  have, 
however,    every   reason   to  think  that  Dr.    O'Reilly  did  not 
acquiesce  to  the  charge  but  from  obedience  to  the  orders  from 
Borne,  I  trust  the  Almighty  God  will  support  him  in  all  the 
difficulties  he  must  expect  to  meet  with  in  the  discharge  of  his 
duty.     Dr.  Troy  set  out  the  day  before  yesterday  to  introduct 
-  him.      Whom  will  Dr.  Keeffe  now  select   to   reimplace  Dr. 
O'Reilly  1     Dr.  Molloy,    whom   I  saw  lately,  positively  and 
peremptorily   declines   it.      Has   your    Lordship    seen   Abbe 
Preston  1      I  am  afraid  he  will  never  rank  amongst  us  in  Ire- 
land, having  been  so  averse  to  the  highest  dignity,  where  his 
personal  merit,  supported  by  his  family  connections,  would 
have  been  of  the  greatest  service  to  religion.     .     .     . 

"  We  are  to  have  a  meeting  of  our  bishops  next  month  in 
Cork.  The  late  Act  will  furnish  matter  enough  for  delibera- 
tion. I  shall  take  care  to  mention  again  the  arbitrary  pro- 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  83 

ceedings  in  regard  to  the  former  Primate  and  the  provincial 
bishops,  and  I  shall  be  happy  to  have  your  Lordship's  senti- 
ments thereon.  I  hope  you'll  think  of  lessening  your  labours 
this  year  on  your  visitation.  You  are  always  plowing.  I 
would  be  extremely  happy  to  meet  you  at  any  of  the  places 
you  mentioned,  but  it  will  be  impossible  for  me  to  fix  upon 
any  time,  until  the  Synod  of  Cork  will  be  over.  You  may  be 
persuaded  it  will  never  be  too  soon  for  one  who  feels  so  much 
satisfaction  as  I  do  in  your  Lordship's  company.  I  write  this 
from  Mr.  Kavenagh  of  Borris's,  where  I  had  the  pleasure  of 
meeting  my  brother  and  sister  Birmingham,  who  join  me  in  all 
that  is  kind  to  your  Lordship.  Did  you  hear  of  any  particular 
agreement  entered  into  by  the  Catholic  Committee  1 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  remain, 

"  My  most  dear  and  honoured  Lord, 

"  Your  most  affectionate  and  humble  servant, 

"JAMES  BUTLER." 


CHAPTER  VIII. 
1783. 

LETTERS  FROM  THE  ARCHBISHOP  OF  CASHEL. —  FROM  THE 
PROTESTANT  BISHOP  OF  MEATH. — FROM  THE  REV.  ABBE 
FLOOD. — FROM  REV.  DR.  KEARNEY. — RESIGNATION  OF  THE 
PASTOR  OF  RATOATH. — LETTER  FROM  CHARLES,  THE 
SEVENTH  EARL  OF  TRAQUAIR — FROM  THE  HONOURABLE 
AND  REV.  JENICO  PRESTON. 

Dr.  Butler  writes  from  Thurles,  on  the  5th  of  January, 

1788  :— 

"  MY  EVER  DEAR  AND  MOST  HONOURED  LORD, 

"  I  cannot  better  atone  for  having  let  December  slip 
away  without  a  letter  from  me  to  your  Lordship,  than  by  de- 
voting the  first  dawn  of  the  year  to  assure  you  of  all  that  the 
profoundest  respect,  and  sincerest  friendship  and  esteem  can 
dictate  in  the  line  of  wishes.  Christmas  holydays  occupied  me 
very  much,  as  we  have  here  three  plenary  indulgences,  and 


84  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET. 

numbers  crowded  to  gain  them.  I  should  not  otherwise  have 
delayed  so  long  answering  your  kind  letter  of  the  1st  of  De- 
cember. You  did  justice  to  my  sentiments  in  judging  they 
coincided  entirely  with  your  own,  in  all  the  late  proceedings  of 
your  province  with  the  Sacred  Congregation,  relative  to  the 
meeting  of  Drogheda.  I  congratulated,  again  and  again,  your 
Lordship  and  co-provincial  bishops  on  the  success  they  met 
with.  1  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  being  willing  to  in- 
terest yourself  in  behalf  of  Mrs.  Lowther,  in  Lille.  It  will  be 
a  great  act  of  charity.  All  I  know  of  Mr.  Reilly,  whom  I  men- 
tioned, is  that  he  is  of  the  county  Meath,  and  had  part  of  his 
education  in  Mr.  Harrington's  school,  near  Cork.  You  are 
aware  that  the  Pope  refused  to  name  the  Friar  whom  Dr. 
OTallon  called  for  to  be  coadjutor-bishop.  I  believe  for  the 
future  none  of  those  gentlemen  will  be  chosen  to  fill  our  vacant 
sees.  Did  your  Lordship  hear  that  Mr.  Marky  is  coming  back  ? 
He  does  not  get  his  health  in  Paris,  and  it  is  a  great  pity.  I 
don't  know  who  will  be  the  most  suited  to  succeed  him. 
Bishop  Hay,  I  am  told,  has  printed  a  catechism,  in  two  vols., 
octavo,  much  admired  by  Dr.  Carpenter  ;  and  I  am  printing  an 
abridgment  of  mine,  which  will  appear  soon,  and  is  truly  an 
abridgment.  Dr.  Field  has  the  care  of  it.  I  hope  your  Lord- 
ship is  quite  recruited,  and  feel  no  remnants  of  the  fatigue  of 
your  visitation.  You'll  permit  me  to  conclude  now  as  I  am 
not  a  little  tired  after  the  work  of  this  day — it  being  the  eve  of 
the  Epiphany.  I  remain,  with  the  most  inviolable  attachment, 
my  ever  dear  and  most  honoured  Lord,  you  ever  affectionate 
and  obedient  servant, 

"  JAMES  BUTLER." 

On  the  16th  of  February,  1783,  Dr.  Butler  again  writes 
to  Dr.  Plunket,  from  Thurles  : — 

"  I  received,  in  due  time,  your  Lordship's  most  kind  letter 
of  the  2nd  instant,  confirming  the  news  of  Dr.  Kearney's  being 
named  superior  of  the  community,  and,  at  the  same  time,  jus- 
tifying my  opinion  of  Dr.  Tehan's  merits.  I  own  to  you,  had 
Dr.  Kearney  declined,  the  latter  would  be  the  person  I'd  have 
pitched  on  ;  but  Dr.  Kearney,  I  am  convinced,  from  all  I  have 
heard  of  him,  will  superabundantly  answer  all  our  expectations, 
and  I  am  happy  he  accepted  of  the  nomination.  The  Irish 
house  will  nourish  under  him.  I  am  glad  you  have  no  other 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET.  85 

•objection  to  the  practical  reflections  but  the  paper,  or  rather, 
I  should  say,  I  am  happy  to  find  you  so  much  approve  of  them. 
For  the  badness  of  the  paper  is  mentioned  by  you  merely  as  a 
blemish.  I  really  agree  with  you  ;  I  think  them  excellent, 
superior  to  anything  of  the  kind  I  have  seen  either  in  French 
or  English.  The  author  of  the  moral  reflections  on  the  Epistles 
and  G-ospels  was  never  the  father  of  them.  The  style  is  too 
precise  for  him,  and  every  page  too  rich  in  thought  to  be  the 
produce  of  his  scattered  and  flimsy  thoughts.  With  regard  to 
Lent,  I  and  Dr.  Egan,  whom  I  purposely  consulted,  see  no  suf- 
iicient  reason  for  a  mitigation  of  the  abstinence,  as  it  comes  in 
so  late ;  but  perhaps  there  may  be  reasons  in  your  district 
which  do  not  occur  in  the  clear  air  of  Munster.  The  necessity 
of  the  subscription  which  your  Lordship  so  laudably  and  cha- 
ritably promoted  seems  to  hint  at ;  there  has  been  no  such  ne- 
cessity here.  Munster  is  much  obliged  to  your  Lordship  for 
espousing  so  earnestly  its  honour  in  the  affair  of  the  Directory, 
and  its  archbishop  would  think  he'd  injure  your  feelings  were 
ha  to  pretend  to  suggest  to  you  here  to  act  with  his  Grace  of 
Dublin  on  the  occasion ;  one  of  your  principles  can  never  fail 
of  doing  what  is  proper.  Does  your  Lordship  know  that  the 
plenary  indulgence  of  St.  Patrick's  is  extended  to  the  whole 
octave,  by  a  decree  of  the  Congregation  in  1773  1  It  will  be  of 
vast  service  to  have  it  last  so  long,  as  it  will  induce  our  people 
to  profit  of  that  time  to  fulfil  their  Easter  duty.  Dr.  Troy  is 
at  present  in  Dublin.  I  suppose  you'll  see  him.  I  am  much 
taken  with  him  ;  he  gains  by  acquaintance.  We  have  nothing 
here  worth  mentioning,  so  I  shall  only  add  the  sincere  assur- 
ance of,  my  ever  dear  and  most  honoured  Lord,  the  inviolable 
attachment,  sincere  respect,  and  esteem  of  your  Lordship's 
most  devoted  and  most  affectionate  servant, 

"  JAMES  BUTLER." 

On  the  8th  of  February,  1783,  the  Protestant  Bishop  of 
Meath  writes  from  Ardbraccan  to  Dr.  Plunket : — 

"  SIR, 

"  I  have  just  received  the  favour  of  your  letter,  enclos- 
ing a  bank-note  from  Mr.  Hussey  for  £22  17s.  9d.,  as  a  dona- 
tion to  our  county  infirmary,  20  guineas  of  which  sum  entitle 
liiin  to  become  a  governor  of  that  charity  for  life,  and  for  which 
(as  treasurer  to  that  instution)  I  enclose  my  receipt. 


86  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

"  My  being  confined  by  a  fit  of  the  gout  has  prevented  my 
answering  sooner  the  favour  of  your  letter,  which  I  received  a 
few  days  ago.  I  could  not  think  of  granting  a  licence  to  John 
Quin  for  keeping  school  at  Navan,  without  having  your  appro- 
bation first  signified  to  me.  Your  scheme  I  know  was  for  es- 
tablishing a  school  at  Navan  upon  a  much  larger  scale  than  the 
present,  and  I  think  that  the  offer  which  you  made  to  Mr. 
Ormsby  for  his  house  was  a  very  handsome  one.  I  am,  Sir, 
your  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

"  H.  MEATH." 

The  Catholics  of  Ireland  were  prostrate,  powerless,  and 
spiritless  in  the  last  century.  The  iron  of  slavery  had 
entered  their  souls,  and  they  superabounded  in  gratitude 
and  loyalty  at  being  allowed  even  to  live.  Their  Protestant 
countrymen  from  having  all  the  laws  of  the  empire,  and  all 
the  patronage  of  the  kingdom  on  their  side,  assumed  such. 
a  tone  of  audacity  and  domineering  superiority  that,  we 
are  told,*  a  Catholic  might  be  known  by  his  stooped  car- 
riage and  subdued  manner.  Catholic  education  was  for- 
bidden at  home  and  abroad ;  heavy  penalties  awaited  the 
doomed  Popish  schoolmaster,  and  even,  after  the  Catholic 
"Relief  Bill,  the  licence  of  a  Protestant  bishop  was  necessary 
for  the  legal  protection  of  a  Catholic  school.  On  the  l()th 
of  July,  1783,  Dr.  Plunket  addresses  a  supplication  from 
Navan,  to  the  Protestant  Bishop  of  Meath,  in  language 
just  in  keeping  with  the  spirit  of  that  day  : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  The  Eoman  Catholics  of  the  diocese  of  Meath  wish  to 
avail  themselves  of  the  indulgence  of  the  legislature,  which,  by 
a  late  Act,  allows,  under  certain  restrictions,  persons  of  their 
persuasion  to  instruct  youth  in  this  kingdom.  I  am  called  upon 
by  them  humbly  to  request  your  Lordship  will  be  pleased  to 
grant  the  licence  necessary  for  that  purpose.  A  school  so 
situated  as  to  be  und^r  the  eye  of  their  ecclesiastical  superior, 
would,  they  assure  me,  have  a  particular  claim  to  their  con- 


*  Life  of  O'Connor,  vol.  i.,  p.  179. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  87 

fidence ;  be  better  calculated  than  any  other  in  this  district 
could  be  to  answer  the  end  of  such  an  institution  ;  and  is  what 
they  earnestly  desire.  Convinced,  as  they  are,  that  they  ad- 
dress themselves  to  a  prelate  of  a  liberal  and  enlightened 
mind,  they  doubt  not  but  your  Lordship  will,  on  this  occasion, 
concur  with  the  wisdom  and  humanity  of  Parliament,  in 
diminishing  one  of  the  most  painful  grievances  they  have 
laboured  under  for  a  series  of  years.  To  so  discerning  an  en- 
courager  of  everything  that  tends  to  promote  public  and  pri- 
vate happiness  in  this  neighbourhood,  I  need  not  observe  that 
a  numerous  and  respectable  school,  authorized  by  the  law  of  the 
land,  having  your  Lordship's  sanction,  would,  by  attracting 
strangers,  by  diffusing  civilization,  and  by  giving  additional 
employment  to  industry,  be  productive  of  substantial  advantage 
to  Navan.  On  my  part  no  attention  should  be  wanting  to 
guard  against  abuses  which,  if  I  could  not  prevent,  I  should 
be  the  first  to  complain  of.  I  should  make  it  a  capital  object 
of  my  care  that  the  Roman  Catholic  youth  of  this  diocese 
should  be  taught  to  revere  the  civil  constitution  of  their 
country  ;  and  that  their  affections  should  not  be  estranged  from 
it  by  any  unfriendly  principles  whatever.  No  steps  have  I  yet 
taken  to  forward  this  business  ;  nor  shall,  until  acquainted  with 
your  Lordship's  intentions.  May  I  then  presume  to  hope,  my 
Lord,  that  you  will  grant  to  one  Roman  Catholic,  or  more,  if 
necessary,  qualified  as  the  law  prescribes,  a  licence  for  teaching 
in  N  avan  1  A  line  on  this  subject  from  your  Lordship,  with 
which  I  beg  I  may  be  honoured,  shall  regulate  my  conduct.  In 
the  meantime,  it  is  with  particular  satisfaction,  I  embrace  this 
opportunity  of  assuring  you,  that  I  am,  with  great  respect,  my 
Lord,  your  Lordship's  most  obedient  and  most  humble  servant, 

"  »&  P.  J.  PLUNKET." 

To  this  polite  letter,  the  Protestant  dignitary  writes  a 
patronising  reply,  ignoring,  however,  all  spiritual  power 
or  authority  in  his  Catholic  cotemporary  : — 

"  Dublin,  24th  July,  1783. 
"  SIR, 

"  Upon  my  return  to  town  a  few  days  ago  from  the 
county  of  Wexford,  I  received  the  favour  of  your  letter,  and  I 
must  beg  leave  to  postpone  giving  you  an  answer  to  the  ap- 


86  THE   BISHOPS   OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

plication  which  you  have  made  to  me,  until  I  shall  have  some 
conversation  with  you  upon  the  subject,  which  I  shall  be  par- 
ticularly glad  to  have,  as  it  will  give  me  an  opportunity  of  be- 
coming acquainted  with  you — a  circumstance  which  I  am  cer- 
tain (from  your  general  character)  will  always  give  me  pleasure. 
"  I  am,  Sir,  your  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servant, 

"  H.  MEATH." 

The  Rev.  Abbe  Flood  writes  from  Paris  on  the  26th  of 
April,  1783  :— 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  Your  late  kind  favours  deserve  a  satisfactory  reply  ; 
one  you  shall  have  by  Mr.  Hanlon,  of  the  community,  who 
sets  out  in  a  few  days.  The  hurry  of  the  moment,  together 
with  the  necessary  preparations  for  a  retreat,  which  will  com- 
mence to-morrow  evening,  renders  the  attempt  rather  im- 
possible for  the  present. 

"  'Tis  needless  to  say  much  in  favour  of  the  bearer,  Mr. 
Connell ;  he  has  the  honour  to  be  personally  known  to  your 
Lordship.  He  has,  since  your  departure  from  Paris,  behaved 
himself  in  a  manner  in  every  respect  unexceptionable.  His 
intention  was  to  return  much  sooner,  but  the  badness  of  the 
weather,  together  with  the  weakness  of  his  constitution,  re- 
quired delay.  He  had  my  advice  to  postpone  his  journey,  and 
this  circumstance  will  not,  I  humbly  hope,  prove  unfavourable 
to  him  on  his  arrival.  The  Chancellor  will  write  to  you  by 
the  next  opportunity.  I  should  be  glad  to  know  if  you  intend 
to  impose  hands  on  any  this  season,  as  I  am  much  urged  by 
Dr.  Carpenter  and  other  prelates  to  inform  them  of  the  vacan- 
cies for  their  respective  dioceses. 
-  "  I  am,  with  the  greatest  respect,  my  Lord, 
,  -  "  Your  Lordship's  most  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

"  P.  FLOOD." 

The   Abbe  Flood  writes  again  from  Paris  on  the  8th 
of  June,  1783:— 

"MY  LORD  AND  DEAREST  FRIEND, 

"  Your  Lordship  is  not  wholly  unacquainted  with  the 
wretched  and  distressed  situation  of  our  poor  Lombardians  ; 
but  your  knowledge  of  their  present  state  must  be,  I  presume, 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH  —DR.  PLUNKET.  89 

very  inadequate  and  imperfect.  Their  retributions,  or  yearly 
income,  have,  within  these  three  years  last  past,  suffered  a  real 
diminution  of  at  least  one-third.  The  sensible  decay  of  piety 
and  religion,  in  every  order  and  description  of  the  people, 
renders  the  calls  to  the  altar  daily  less  frequent  and  less  bene- 
ficial. The  effects  are  visible.  The  present  generation,  with- 
out being  chargeable  with  foolish  or  unnecessary  expenses,  owes 
the  Procurator  no  less  than  12,000  Tournois.*  This  debt 
must,  of  course,  rather  increase  than  diminish,  and  thus,  with- 
out some  speedy  succour  and  happy  change,  this  useful  estab- 
lishment must  necessarily  fall.  To  prevent  this  evil,  'tis 
humbly  hoped  your  Lordship  and  the  other  prelates  of  the 
kingdom  will  stretch  forth  a  helping  hand,  and  rescue  from 
misery  and  want  a  number  of  deserving,  but  distressed, 
ecclesiastics.  The  plan  I  would  propose  to  your  superior  judg- 
ment is  this,  what  I  say  of  the  province  of  Leinster  may  be 
readily  applisd  to  the  other  three  provinces. 

"  That  the  prelates  of  Leinster  were  graciously  pleased  to 
forward  and  countenance  a  small  contribution,  to  be  raised  in 
their  several  districts ;  the  sums  collected  would  be  deposited 
in  their  own  hands,  or  with  some  clergyman,  by  their  appoint- 
ment, 'till  the  whole  amount  were  verified.  The  sum  total 
could  then  be  remitted  hither  to  be  placed  in  the  public  funds  j 
the  contracts  bought  in  the  name  of  the  provincial  prelates  to 
be  disposed  of  by  them  and  their  successors  for  ever.  The 
annual  income  would  be  received  in  virtue  of  a  letter  of  at- 
torney, and  distributed  yearly  between  all  the  Lagenians  here, 
for  the  time  being.  Thus,  should  Government  think  proper 
hereafter  to  prohibit  foreign,  and  to  encourage  domestic  educa- 
tion, you  would  always  have  it  in  your  power  to  recall  these 
funds  at  pleasure,  and  apply  them  as  you  thought  proper.  I 
can't  see  a  solid  difficulty  that  can  be  proposed  against  this 
scheme,  otherwise  become  so  necessary.  I  am  the  more  eager 
to  see  it  carried  into  execution,  as  the  collection  talked  of  by 

late  Dr.  Marky  neither  will,  nor  can,  take   effect 

1  have  been  unwell  lately,  and  hence  Drs.  MacMahon  and 
Reilly  prescribe  a  change  of  air.  1  was  resolved  to  spend  the 
vacation  in  England ;  but  our  worthy  prelate,  who  wishes  to 
see  something  done  for  this  poor  college,  is  of  opinion  that  I 


*  About  £500  English. 


90  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

should  prefer  my  native  air,  and  thinks  that  my  presence  in 
Ireland  could  not  fail  of  promoting  the  above  scheme.  Does 
your  Lordship  think  so  ?  Honour  me  with  three  lines.  Say 

yes,  and  Abbe  Flood  is  with  you 

"  I  am,  in  anxious  expectation, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect,  my  Lord, 
"  Your  Lordship's  most  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

•'P.  FLOOD." 

On  the  8th  of  May,  1780,  Dr.  Kearney,  then  recently 
appointed  President  of  the  Irish  College,  writes  from 
Paris : — 

"MY  LORD, 

"  I  make  bold  to  write  to  you  a  few  lines  to  beg  you 
will  be  so  good  as  to  accept  of  a  power  from  me  to  receive  the 
contributions  promised  for  this  house  to  the  late  Dr.  Marky, 
my  predecessor.  The  personal  knowledge  your  Lordship  has 
of  this  new  establishment,  of  the  vast  expenses  it  has  been 
attended  with,  and  of  the  inconsiderable  resources  to  answer 
them,  must  inspire  you  with  a  particular  desire  to  see  these 
offers  realized.  It  is  this  consideration  that  makes  me  take  a 
liberty  which  your  inclination  to  do  good  will  easily  excuse. 
Your  peculiar  zeal  for  this  house  will,  I  hope,  render  less  dis- 
agreeable a  commission,  I  own,  very  troublesome  in  itself.  Be 
so  good,  then,  my  Lord,  as  to  accept  of  an  unlimited  power  to 
do  on  this  occasion  whatever  you  please,  and  can  do  for  this 
house. 

"  I  am,  with  the  greatest  respect  and  esteem,  my  Lord, 
"  Your  most  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

"  C.  KEARNEY." 

On  the  same  day  Dr.  Kearney  penned  the  following 
certificate  of  conduct  respecting  Rev.  Mr.  O'Hanlon,  subse- 
quently parish  priest  of  Slane : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  This  letter  is  to  be  handed  to  you  by  Mr.  Hanlon,  a 
child  of  your  Lordship's  diocese.  Had  you  known  him  long 
enough  in  the  community,  he  should  want  no  recommendation 
to  you.  I  am  only  acquainted  with  him  since  last  January,  but 
from  the  reputation  I  found  he  always  enjoyed  in  the  house,  I 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  91 

may  safely  conclude  he  will  be  no  discredit  to  it,  nor  an  useless 
member  in  your  diocese.  He  has  constantly  minded  his  busi- 
dess  here,  and  has  from  the  beginning  behaved  himself  in  an 
irreproachable  manner.  The  short  acquaintance  I  have  had 
with  him  myself  confirms  me  in  the  good  opinion  given  to  me 
of  him  by  those  who  have  known  him  since  his  first  entrance 
into  this  seminary.  I  recommend  him  then,  my  Lord,  to  your 
paternal  care  and  protection.  He  brings  you  a  thurible,  an 
umbrella,  and  a  string  for  your  cross.  I  beg  you  will  accept 
of  these  as  a  small  token  of  the  sincere  regard  and  esteem  of  an 
old  acquaintance. 

"  I  am,  with  the  greatest  respect,  my  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

"C.  KEARNEY." 

On  the  29th  of  May  Dr.  Kearney  again  writes  to  Dr. 
Plunket  :— 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  A  few  days  ago  I  wrote  two  short  letters  to  you  by 
Mr.  Hanlon  ;  the  one  to  express  to  your  Lordship  what  I 
thought  of  that  young  man  ;  the  other  was  a  kind  of  procura- 
tion which  I  took  the  liberty  to  send  to  you,  to  receive  what- 
ever contributions  were  promised  to  the  late  superior  in  favour 
of  this  house.  It  is  a  trouble  I  should  hardly  have  presumed 
giving  you  had  you  not  kindly  offered  to  do  whatever  you  could 
for  us.  It  is  not  that  I  could  doubt  in  the  least  of  your  zeal 
and  benevolence  for  this  house,  which  you  governed  yourself 
so  long,  but  I  might  have  imagined  that  your  various  and  im- 
portant occupations  should  leave  you  no  time  for  any  other 
business,  and  that,  besides,  it  might  appear  to  you  to  be  a 
disagreeable  task  to  call  to  so  many  different  persons  for  what, 
perhaps,  they  are  no  longer  very  ready  to  give.  These  reasons 
for  not  troubling  you  were  overbalanced  in  my  mind  by  many 
other  considerations.  First,  then,  as  there  is  question  of  an 
affair  important  for  this  establishment,  I  imagined  it  was  neces- 
sary to  put  it  into  the  hands  of  the  person  in  whom  the  public 
has  the  greatest  confidence,  and  who  consequently  might  have 
the  greatest  influence  on  the  minds  of  those  who  have  been  well 
disposed  towards  us.  Now,  my  Lord,  you  must  give  me  leave 
to  tell  you  that  with  regard  to  these  two  points,  there  is  no  one 
I  could  put  in  competition  with  you,  especially  amongst  our 


92  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

community-men,  to  some  one  or  other  of  whom  it  was  natural 
I  should  address  myself  on  this  occasion.  In  the  second  place, 
every  one  in  Ireland  knows  that  you  have  spent  many  years 
here ;  that  you  have  been  witness  of  the  vast  expenses  that 
have  attended  this  new  building ;  and  that  you  are  convinced, 
by  your  own  knowledge  of  the  state  of  our  affairs,  that  there  have 
not  been  great  external  resources  to  pay  off  the  sums  that  were 
due.  Thirdly,  your  Lordship  is  the  only  prelate  I  am  person- 
ally acquainted  with  in  that  side  of  the  world.  I  do,  in  conse- 
quence, flatter  myself  that  it  is  permitted  me,  propter  antiquis- 
simam  ardissimamque  consuetudinem,  to  take  liberties  with  you 
which  could  not  be  naturally  allowed  me  with  regard  to  your 
other  confreres — in  a  word,  your  quality  of  prelate,  taken  but 
the  other  day  from  the  bosom  of  the  community  ;  your  having 
been  named  and  consecrated  bishop  while  as  yet  in  it ;  your 
having  governed  it  yourself  for  so  long  a  time ;  your  having 
been  eye-witness  of,  and  one  of  the  principal  actors  in,  all  that 
was  done  here — such  are  the  titles  you  have  to  a  preference  in 
this  disagreeable  commission.  These  motives  will  remove  all 
surprise  at  our  applying  particularly  to  you  on  this  occasion, 
and,  at  the  same  time,  will  apologize  for  our  giving  you  so  much 
trouble.  Your  extraordinary  success  in  points  much  more 
difficult  and  delicate  is  a  pledge  to  us  of  your  success  in  regard 
of  this  house  ;  and  should  your  expectations  be  not  answered,  I 
shall  not  be  the  less  obliged  to  you,  nor  shall  the  community 
be  less  sensible  to  the  benevolence  you  continue  to  manifest  for 
it.  It  is  now  time  I  should  thank  your  Lordship  for  the  ex- 
quisite pleasure  I  felt  on  receiving  the  kind  letter  you  honoured 
me  with  some  days  ago.  To  express  all  the  satisfaction  it  gave 
me,  I  should  stand  in  need  of  that  abundance,  variety,  and 
strength  of  words  that  flow  from  your  pen.  It  would  be  neces- 
sary, besides,  that  you  should  be  sensible  of  the  very  great 
esteem,  respect,  and  regard  I  always  felt  for  you.  This  you 
could  not  have  known  sufficiently,  as  I  never  had  an  occasion 
of  expresssing  my  sentiments  for  you,  and  your  modesty 
hindered  you  from  seeing  how  much  you  deserved  from  me  and 
from  every  one  else  a  return  of  everything  that  is  kind  and 
good,  at  least  in  wishes  and  dispositions.  I  recall  to  mind  with 
gratitude  the  pleasure  I  experienced  in  your  society  here,  and 
all  the  kindnesses  you  shewed  me  from  the  beginning  of  my 
career.  I  remember,  with  no  small  complacency,  my  having 


THE   BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DR.    PLUNKET.  93 

been  so  long  a  time  your  disciple.  What  I  should  wish  for 
most  ardently  would  be  to  be  able  to  imitate  the  example  you 
gave  here,  and  to  shew  I  profited  of  your  lessons.  It  would  be 
wanting  to  me  now  as  I  occupy  an  important  place.  When  I 
reflect  on  the  persons  who  have  preceded  me,  I  tremble  and  am 
astonished  to  find  myself  in  their  place.  They  have  left  a 

dreadful  blank  after  them All  I  can  pretend  to 

do  is  to  remove  whatever  may  derange  the  whole,  as  to  add  any 
new  degree  of  perfection  to  it,  it  would  require  a  more  able 
hand.  I  shall  receive  any  advice  from  you  with  the  greatest 
pleasure  and  acknowledgement ;  and,  in  the  meantime,  I  thank 
you  for  the  compliment  you  were  so  good  as  to  make  me  on  my 

being  here Many  very  annoying  memoirs  have 

been  written  against  me  to  the  archbishop.*  I  know  the 
authors  of  them,  but  I  shall  certainly  take  no  notice  of  them, 
nor  shall  I  act  in  consequence.  It  was  said  that  the  house 
would  be  lost  if  I  were  placed  at  the  head  of  it ;  that  I  would  be 
prejudiced  for  certain  provinces,  &c.  Now  from  my  heart  I 
can  deny  that  charge.  I  accepted  this  position  with  the  greatest 
repugnance.  I  had  been  named,  last  October,  Grand  Vicaire  to 
the  Bishop  of  Tarbes.  My  plan  of  life  was  fixed  on  by  my  own 
choice ;  and  certainly  as  to  temporals  much  more  advantageous. 
All  I  reserved  was  the  title  which  would  have  been  followed  by 
something  more  solid.  If  I  be  happy  enough  to  succeed  in  doing- 
good  here.  I  shall  congratulate  myself  on  having  made  a  sacri- 
fice which  put  me  in  the  way  of  serving  my  country.  All  I 
shall  answer  for  is  the  purity  of  my  intentions.  I  have  as  yet 
another  apology  to  make  to  you,  which  is  for  my  having  not 
been  the  first  to  acquaint  you  of  my  being  named  to  this  place. 
It  had  been  my  real  intention,  as  I  felt  it  was  due  to  you. 
Nothing  but  a  most  serious  affair  could  have  made  me  put  it  off. 
You  remember  that  Mr.  Kelly  paid  for  this  ground  about  eleven 
thousand  livres  pour  droit  d'amortissement.  As  it  was  found 
afterwards  that  he  ought  not  to  have  paid  them,  the  house  called 
back  for  that  sum.  It  would  have  been  recovered  had  it  been 
called  for  within  the  space  of  two  years ;  and  as  they  let  that 
time  pass,  they  were  cast  in  the  King's  Counsel  last  July,  and 
condemned  to  sue  no  longer  for  that  sum.  This  victory  en- 


*  Most  probably  Dr.  Carpenter,  Archbishop  of  Dublin  ;  there  will  be 
assassins  'till  the  end  of  time,  but  fiatjmtitia,  mat  colum. 


94  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

couraged  the  domains  to  call  for  droits  d'amortissement  for  the 
building,  and,  besides,  for  double  the  sum  as  a  fine  for  not  hav- 
ing given  the  plan  of  the  building  to  the  police.  The  two  sums 
amount  to  fifty  thousand  crowns.  This  exorbitant  demand  was 
made  three  or  four  days  after  my  nomination,  and  it  diverted 
my  thoughts  from  all  other  things  for  a  long  time.  The  little 
knowledge  I  had,  besides,  of  the  temporals  of  the  house  increased 
my  embarrassment.  That  was  the  cause  of  my  long  silence. 
We  have  great  hopes  of  succeeding,  as  the  present  countroleur 

is  a  good  religious  man Abbe  Right  is  here. 

You  must  have  heard  he  retired  to  this  house  in  Mr.  Cahill's 
time,  though  he  only  came  to  live  here  when  Mr.  Marky  was 
named  superior.  He  is  a  great  and  an  agreeable  society  for  me. 
I  know  not  breathing  a  better  heart.  No  man  has  more  wit  or 
better  judgment,  and  few  have  so  solid  and  religious  a  way  of 
thinking.  I  have  not  got  Mr.  Marky's  book  yet ;  so  I  don't 
know  what  money  is  due  to  him.  What  resources  he  had,  or 
what  his  intentions  were,  I  shall  be  able  to  speak  more  amply  to 
you  in  my  next  letter,  as  I  expect  that  book  every  day. 

I  shall  be  happy  to  find  an  opportunity,  my  Lord,  of  manifest- 
ing the  zeal,  esteem,  and  regard  with  which  I  am 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

"  C.  KEARNEY." 

On  the  loth  of  September,  1783,  Dr.  Kearney  again 
writes  to  Dr.  Plunket,  from  Paris : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  About  the  beginning  of  this  vacation  I  received  your 
kind  favour.  I  return  you  my  most  sincere  and  warm  thanks 
for  the  steps  you  have  taken  with  regard  to  the  project  of  which 
I-  took  the  liberty  to  intrust  the  execution  to  your  Lordship.  I 
•was  perfectly  convinced  that  you  would  give  this  house  new 
marks  of  your  zeal  and  attachment  for  it,  and  I  am  equally 
satisfied  that  it  was  no  other  motive  that  induced  you  to  decline 
charging  yourself  with  that  commission.  Indeed  when  I  wrote 
to  you  about  it,  I  acted  with  more  confidence  than  I  could  have 
had  in  troubling  any  other  person  with  it.  I  knew  full  well 
that,  by  addressing  myself  to  your  Lordship,  preferably  to  any 
other  friend  whatsoever,  any  imprudence  or  indiscretion  I  might 
commit,  you  would  be  able  and  willing  to  repair,  and  thus  pre- 
vent any  bad  consequences  that  might  ensue  to  the  house.  I 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  95 

see  Avith  pleasure  that  I  was  not  mistaken.  It  appears  by  your 
letter,  and  the  reflections  it  suggested  to  me,  that  the  interest 
of  the  community  and  right  policy  would  have  required  that  I 
should  address  myself  first  to  his  Grace  of  Dublin.  Your  pru- 
dence and  cleverness  have  made  up  for  my  fault,  and  will,  I 
hope,  remove  any  jealousy  or  discontent  that  might  have  taken 
possession  of  his  Grace's  breast.  I  wish,  with  all  my  heart,  for 
the  good  of  the  seminary,  that  your  Lordship's  conduct  may 
have  the  effect  that  naturally  should  be  expected  from  it.  If 
things  should  happen  otherwise,  the  house  stands  under  no  less 
obligations  to  you,  nor  shall  I  have  anything  to  reproach  myself 
with.  I  think  also  that  there  were  very  solid  reasons  for  acting 
as  I  did.  I  had  thought  of  the  matter  long  before  I  wrote  to 
you.  I  consulted  friends  on  it,  and  they  were  of  my  opinion 
that  you  were  the  fittest  person  in  Ireland  to  make  the  plan 
succeed  ;  besides  my  own  inclinations  that  made  me  lean  towards 
you,  I  knew  at  the  time  that  Dr.  Carpenter  had  conceived  some 
prejudices  against  me  personally.  I  heard  he  had  received 
some  letters  in  which  the  fate  of  the  house  was  much  lamented, 
at  my  being  put  at  the  head  of  it.  I  scarce  believe  it  was  any 
subject  of  the  house  that  was  free  enough  with  his  Grace  to 

write  to  him  on  the  matter I  was  represented 

as  proud,  distant,  tyrannical,  full  of  prejudices,  &c.,  &c.  .  . 
.  .  .  These  reports  were  forwarded  to  Dublin,  they  reached, 
and  made  an  impression  on  his  Grace's  mind.  I  am  surprised 
he  would  listen  to  and  thus  encourage  such  infamous  calumnies; 
for,  if  they  be  not  calumnies,  I  really  know  not  what  calumny 

can  be In  consequence  of  the  impression 

made  on  Dr.  Carpenter  by  such  defamations,  I  really  thought 
it  would  be  hurting  our  cause  to  address  myself  immediately  to 
him.  He  wrote  me  a  letter  which  justified  my  conjectures. 
After  coolly  thanking  me  for  some  kind  expressions  I  had  made 
use  of  in  his  favour,  he  told  me  plainly  that  Mr.  Marky's  scheme 
could  not  succeed — that  circumstances  were  changed — that 
there  was  strong  question  of  domestic  seminaries — but,  chiefly, 
that  our  funds  were  on  a  precarious  footing — that,  besides,  his 
diocese  was  not  content  with  the  return  it  received  for  its  gene- 
rosity towards  this  house — that  parents  complained  of  the  man- 
ner in  which  their  children  were  treated  here — that  our  table 
was  poor  and  scanty — that  continual  supplies  were  called  for 
by  the  children  from  their  parents,  which  cause  a  great  drain  of 


96  THE  BISHOPS  OF  HEATH — DE.  PLUNKET. 

money ;  but  that,  notwithstanding,  he  wished  us  very  well. 
Such,  exactly,  is  his  letter.  He  does  not  know  that  the  hoys 
are  now  better  treated  than  ever  they  have  been,  and  that  there 
is  not  one  Dubliner  who  is  not  a  charge  to  the  house.  It  is  not 
that  I  disapprove  of  what  has  been  done  for  them,  or  that  I 
should  not  be  disposed  to  treat  them  at  least  as  well ;  but  it  is 

to  shew  how  unjust  such  complaints  are Abbe 

Right  thanks  you  for  your  kind  remembrance  of  him.  He  is 
here  still,  stealing  through  life,  with  wit  that  would  make  him 

shine  in  it All  your  Lordship's  friends  here  are 

very  well,  and  wish  you  a  continuance  of  your  success,  and  an 
increase  of  every  happiness  you  can  wish  for.  It  is  particu- 
larly the  object  of  prayer  of  your  most  affectionate  and  devoted 
humble  servant, 

"  C.  KEARNEY/' 

On  the  occasion  of  the  resignation  of  Rev.  Nicholas 
White,  who,  for  many  years  officiated  as  pastor  of  Ratoath, 
county  Meath,  Dr.  Plunket  drew  up  the  following  memo- 
randum, which  was  duly  signed  and  witnessed : — 

"  Eev.  Mr.  White,  P.P.,  of  Ratoath,  having  represented  to 
us  his  desire  of  withdrawing  himself  from  the  danger  of  the 
ministry  and  devoting  the  remainder  of  his  life  to  the  care  of 
his  own  soul,  and,  moreover,  expressed  his  wish  of  having  Rev. 
Patrick  Keonan  for  deservitor  of  the  parish.- — We,  complying 
with  the  reasonable  request  of  an  ancient  pastor,  grant  him  for 
deservitor  of  the  parish  said  Rev.  Mr.  Keonan,  who  will  pay  to 
him,  Rev.  Mr.  White,  the  annual  stipend  of  twenty  guineas,  in 
four  equal  divisions  ;  said  stipend  to  begin  to  be  due  the  first 
day  of  next  November.  Rev.  Mr.  White,  agreeably  to  his  plan 
of  turning  his  thoughts  entirely  towards  the  salvation  of  his 
own  soul,  will  administer  no  sacraments  in  the  parish  from  the 
above  date  of  the  first  of  November  :  Nor  will  he  say  Mass  in 
the  chapel  of  Ratoath  :  this  great  act  of  religion  he  will  perform 
in  private  at  home,  and  always  with  Rev.  Mr.  Keonan's  con- 
sent elsewhere  when  an  honorary  is  to  be  received.  According 
to  Rev.  Mr.  Keonan's  request,  we  consent  that  he  make  trial 
of  the  station  of  deservitor  in  Ratoath  for  the  space  of  one 
year,  leaving  him  free  to  relinquish  said  station,  after  having 
previously  conferred  with  us  on  the  subject. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  97 

"  Given  under  our  hand,  this  twenty-fourth  day  of  October, 
one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-three,  during  our  visi- 
tation at  Ratoath ;  and  the  above  Rev.  Nicholas  White  and 
Patrick  Keonan  have  signed  with  us,  together  with  Rev. 
Thomas  Fagan,  P.P.  of  Dunshaughlin,  in  quality  of  witness. 

"  &  Patrick  Joseph  Plunket,  Bishop  of  Meath. 
"Nicholas  White,  P.P.  of  Ratoath. 
"  Patrick  Keonan. 

"  Witness — Thomas  Fagan,  P.P.  of  Dunshaughlin." 

Charles  the  Seventh.  Earl  of  Traquaire  writes  to  Dr. 
Plunket,  from  his  castle  at  Traquaire,  Co.  Peebles,  on  the 
22nd  of  November,  1783  :— 

"  MY  LORD, 

"It  is  with  particular  satisfaction  I  embrace  this  oppor- 
tunity of  writing  your  Lordship  a  few  lines,  to  enquire  after 
your  health,  and  to  renew  our  former  acquaintance,  at  the  same 
time  assuring  your  Lordship  that  I  frequently  look  back  upon 
the  few  agreeable  days  I  spent  in  your  company  in  London.  I 
beg  leave  to  recommend  to  your  protection  and  acquaintance  a 
particular  friend  of  Lady  Traquaire's  and  mine.  His  name  is 
Fletcher — is  a  younger  son  of  a  very  respectable  and  ancient 
family  in  Argileshire,  and  is  the  only  Roman  Catholic  one  in 
that  county.  He  has  made  choice  of  the  army  for  his  profes- 
sion, and  is  for  the  present  in  the  21st  Regiment,  or  Royal 
iScots  Fusiliers.  He  is  a  very  sensible,  deserving  young  man,  a 
zealous  Catholic,  and  a  good  Christian,  has  hitherto  behaved 
himself  with  great  propriety  in  the  regiment,  and  is  greatly  re- 
spected by  the  corps.  I  shall  esteem  it  a  particular  favour  ifj 
at  my  request,  you  will  introduce  and  get  Mr.  Fletcher  ac- 
quainted with  some  of  the  Roman  Catholic  families,  as  he  is  an 
entire  stranger,  and  never  was  in  Ireland  before. 

"  Lady  Traquaire  and  I  are  going  to  the  South  of  France  for 
the  education  of  our  children,,  which  at  present  consists  of  a  son 
and  daughter.  Cahors  is  the  place  we  have  made  choice  of  for 
our  present  place  of  residence.  If  I  or  Lady  Traquaire  can  b.' 
of  any  service  to  you  there,  I  beg  you  will  let  me  know.  A 
letter  directed  to  me,  to  the  care  of  Dr.  Geddes,  Maddox-street, 

H 


98  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

London,  will  be  forwarded  to  me.     I  am  with  high  esteem,  my 
Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"  TRAQUAIRE." 

The  Honourable  and  Rev.  Jenico  Preston,  third  son  to 
Jenico  the  Tenth  Viscount  Gormanston,  by  Thomasine,* 
eldest  daughter  of  John,  Lord  Trimleston,  was  a  very  dis- 
tinguished ecclesiastic,  and  kept  up  through  life  a  constant 
correspondence  with  Dr.  Plunket.  On  the  30th  of  No- 
vember, 1783,  he  writes  from  Leige : — 

"  MY  DEAREST  LORD, 

"  I  was  in  hopes  I  should  have  had  the  pleasure  of  a 
letter  from  you  before  now,  but  am  afraid  some  accident  hap- 
pened in  case  you  wrote.  I  had  a  letter  a  few  days  ago  from 
Lord  Trimleston,  who  told  me  that  the  day  I  left  Dublin,  viz., 
the  30th  day  of  July,  or  the  next  day,  the  servant  brought 
him  a  packet  of  letters  which  came  by  that  day's  post  directed 
to  me,  and  which,  he  says,  seemed  to  him  as  come  from  some 
town  in  the  county  of  Meath,  which  he  sent  to  my  brother 
Gormanston'st  lodgings,  in  Grafton-street,  to  send  it  to  me.  I 
have  never  received  them,  nor  a  word  about  them,  from  my 
brother,  nor  anyone  else  since,  and  I  suppose  he  never  intends 
sending  them  to  me.  I  write  to  you  directly  to  inform  you  of 
what  has  happened,  in  case  the  packet  should  be  from  you  or 
any  one  of  your  acquaintances,  and  especially  for  fear  it  should 
contain  something  material ;  that  you  may  be  able  to  remedy 
any  inconvenience  that  may  arise  from  this  accident  and  my 
brother's  unwarrantable  behaviour  on  the  occasion.  I  think  I 
left  your  Lordship  my  address  ;  if  not,  here  it  is — '  A  Monsieur, 
Monsieur  le  Comte  de  Preston,  Trefoncier  de  la  tres  Illustre 
Cathedrale  a  Liege.'  You  shall  please  to  remember  that  in 
writing  to  Liege  you  must  pay  the  foreign  postage,  besides  what 
you  pay  writing  to  Bruxelles.  I  shall  continue  uneasy  about  your 
health  till  I  hear  from  you,  as  you  were  unwell  when  I  left  Ire- 
land; and  I  have  not  had  a  word  from  thence  since  I  left  thatking- 

*  She  died  at  Liege  on  the  16th  of  January,  1788. 

t  This  was  Anthony,  the  llth  Viscount,  who  died  in  London,  on  the 
15th  of  December,  1786,  and  was  interred  in  the  churchyard  of  Stamullen. 
See  Archdall's  Lodge,  vol.  iii.,  p.  85. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  99 

dom.  We  arrived  here  the  21st  of  August,  and  the  journey 
did  my  mother  infinite  service.  She  has  grown  better  and 
better  every  day  since ;  is  in  very  good  health,  has  got  her 
memory  again,  and  is  very  quiet  and  happy.  We  are  all  very 
well  and  my  brother  here  has  six  children — three  boys  and  three 
girls.  I  have  not  yet  got  a  house,  so  we  are  all  together  yet  a 
while,  and  I  see  I  shall  find  it  very  difficult  to  procure  one  near 
the  Cathedral,  which  is  the  spot  where  I  must  strive  to  get  one 
in. 

"  I  have  been  pretty  well  informed  that  the  Nuncio  intends 
going  over  to  England  next  summer,  from  a  person  to  whom  he 
told  it,  and  'tis  very  probable  he  will  also  go  to  Ireland  ;  for 
you  know,  in  the  Netherlands,  they  understand  all  the  British 
dominions  under  the  name  of  Angleterre.  It  will,  therefore, 
not  be  amiss  that  you,  Dr.  Butler,  &c.,  should  meet  and  settle 
the  chief  points  of  the  Hierarchical  Bill  of  Eights  before  he 
comes,  and  take  proper  steps  to  be  instantaneously  informed  of 
the  moment  he  arrives,  to  prevent  his  falling  into  other  certain 
improper  hands,  who  will  strive  to  get  him  entirely  to  them- 
selves, and  will  represent  things  in  their  own  way,  which  is  but 
too  well  known  to  us  all  already.  There  are  several  points  very 
desirable,  which,  however,  he  and  his  would  take  amiss  if  in- 
sisted upon  by  you  and  your  colleagues.  The  only  course  would 
be  for  you,  Dr.  Butler,  and  the  others  you  could  depend  upon, 
to  meet  secretly  at  Killeen,  or  in  some  other  place,  with  Lords 
Fingall,  Kenmare,  my  brother,  Sir  Patrick  Bellew,  and  any 
you  would  judge  proper,  and  settle  these  matters.  As  soon 
as  he  lands,  let  some  of  these  lords  or  gentlemen  get  him 
down  to  their  seats,  meet  together,  and  insist  on  these  points 

being  settled  by  Rome I  wrote  to  this  purpose 

to  my  brother,  Gormanston,  some  time  ago,  and  mentioned  in 
my  letter  a  number  of  articles  which  struck  me  at  the  time  as 
very  desirable,  necessary,  or  conducive  to  the  quiet  and  good  of 
the  country.  I  can't  now  recollect  them,  but  he  probably  has 
my  letter,  and,  if  you  speak  to  him,  could  shew  it  to  you.  I 
recollect,  in  particular,  mentioning  the  putting  an  absolute  stop 
to  the  dearly  beloved  immediate  appeals,  without  which  there 
never  will  be  proper  subordination  in  the  Church  there  ;  and 
neither  you  nor  your  colleagues  cannot  insist  so  positively  on 
its  being  done  as  the  laity.  The  continuing  the  reception  of 
novices  was  another  point ;  and  I  think  I  also  mentioned  con- 
cerning the  nomination  to  bishopricks  to  prevent  filling  the 


100  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

country  with  Romans  and  Spaniards,  and  the  like,  and  to  let 
him  see  they  are  tired  of  the  arbitrary  and  tyrannical  way  of 
acting  from  his  quarters.  I  think  this  occasion  should  not  be 
lost  to  emancipate  yourselves  from  the  long  bondage  you  have 
suffered,  In  case  I  hear  anything  more  about  his  going  over  I 
shall  inform  you  of  it.  I  intend  writing  about  it  to  Dr.  Butler 
one  of  these  days,  and  hope  much  from  your  united  efforts  on 
the  occasion.  I  was  received  in  the  chapter,  and  began  my 
strict  residence  the  25th  of  August,  and  it  terminates  the  25th 
of  August  next  year,  during  which  time  I  can  only  absent  my- 
self sixty  days,  or  I  must  begin  the  year  over  again.  I  find  my 
situation  very  agreeable,  and,  of  course,  am  far  from  sorry,  as 
to  what  regards  my  own  personal  happiness,  that  circumstances 
are  such  with  regard  to  me  in  Ireland ;  that  my  being  in  any 
ecclesiastical  dignity  there  would  be  rather  much  more  detri- 
mental than  otherwise  to  religion  :  for  which  reason  I  enjoy  the 
idea  of  being  able  to  remain  quiet,  and  pass  my  life  in  my  pre- 
sent situation.  However,  I  shall  always  have  the  welfare  of 
that  Church  and  my  poor  country  strongly  at  heart,  and  shall 
always  be  happy  to  contribute  as  much  as  I  can  towards  it,  in 
any  other  shape  than  of  sacrificing  my  own  happiness,  by  going 
over  there  in  a  situation  in  which,  in  fact,  I  should  be  detri- 
mental to  them. 

"  The  Nuncio  was  not  in  Bruxelles  when  I  passed  there,  so 
I  came  on  here  without  seeing  him.  Had  we  met,  as  you  well 
know,  our  discourse  would  not  have  been  indifferent.  I  was 
but  a  day. there,  and  as  he  was  not  in  town,  and  that  I  had  a 
great  deal  of  work  on  my  hands,  I  did  not  go  either  to  see  if  his 
audeteur  was  there,  for  I  did  not  chose  to  enter  so  much  on 
anything  with  him  as  I  should  have  done  with  the  Nuncio,  for 
which  reason,  for  fear  of  his  bringing  on  more  of  affairs  than  I 
-should  chose,  I  thought  the  best  way  was  not  to  call.  Adieu, 
my  ever  dear  friend  ;  believe  me  always  to  be,  as  I  sincerely  am, 
"  Your  truly  affectionate, 

"  JENICO  PRESTON." 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  101 


CHAPTER  IX. 
1784. 

LETTERS  FROM  DR.  MAC  KIERNAN. — THE  ABBE  FLOOD. — DB, 
PLUNKET. — DOUAY. — REV.  HENRY  DOGHERTY,  P.P.  OF 
FRANK  FORD. — DR.  BUTLER,  ARCHBISHOP  OF  CASHEL. 

ON  the  19th  of  August,  1784,  the  worthy  President  of 
the  Irish  College  of  Douay  writes  to  Dr.  Plunket  from 
Hampstead  Grove,  England,  where  he  had  been  sojourn- 
ing for  the  good  of  his  health : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  I  set  out  early  in  June  with  an  intention  of  seeing 
Ireland,  and  of  passing  three  or  four  months  there  for  the 
recovery  of  my  health,  but  I  had  so  severe  a  fit  in  London  that 
I  was  obliged  to  take  to  my  bed,  unable  to  stir  or  move  in  it 
for  several  days.  Here  I  lay,  at  the  mercy  of  doctors  and 
apothecaries,  who  have  so  exhausted  my  strength  and  so  drained 
the  little  resources  I  had,  that  my  project  of  seeing  Ireland  is 
defeated,  at  least  for  this  year ;  fully  determined,  however,  if 
circumstances  permit,  to  accomplish  it  next  year.  I  now  walk 
abroad,  and  am  lodged  in  a  delightful  house  at  Hampstead, 
belonging  to  our  friends,  Messrs.  Hussey  and  Robinson  ;  a  pro- 
perty the  more  valuable,  as  it  is  the  most  delightful  prospect 
in  all  England.  The  air  is  very  pure  and  bracing ;  every  pos- 
sible attention  is  paid  me  in  this  enchanting  abode,  and  my 
health,  thank  God,  is  better  than  I  could  hope  a  little  time 
since.  The  interest  your  Lordship  is  good  enough  to  take  in 
my  welfare  is  a  sufficient  apology  for  my  dwelling  so  long  on 
what  regards  me  personally,  and  challenges  withal  this  attesta- 
tion of  my  grateful  sense  for  these  testimonies  of  your  friend- 
ship for  me.  It  is  now  time  to  remark  to  your  Lordship  that, 
by  a  clause  in  the  convention  between  the  late  Bishop  of  Meath 
and  me,  it  is  expressly  stipulated,  in  case  of  a  vacancy  of  any 
of  the  Meath  burses,  the  three  first  months  should  be  for  the 
seminary,  a  benefaction  this  that  never  takes  effect,  as  there 
have  been  these  twelve  years  past  supernumerary  students  from 
Meath  in  the  seminary  ready  to  occupy  the  burses  as  soon  as 
they  become  vacant.  It  is  obvious  to  see  how  detrimental 


102  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

this  is  to  the  seminary,  and  I  do,  therefore,  hope  and  request 
your  Lordship  will  in  future  consider  it.  I  must  further  beg 
that  you'll  be  kind  enough  to  send  to  Doway  students  as  intel- 
lectual and  as  docile  as  you  do  to  other  national  houses. 

"  You  have  now,  my  Lord,  two  burses  to  dispose  of,  and 
next  year  you  will  have  one  or  two  more  to  give.  I  long  to 
see  you.  I  am  projecting  a  little  gallery  in  our  chapel ;  the 
Bishop  of  London  has  given  me  a  beautiful  ostensory  for  the 
Blessed  Sacrament.  I  have  not  yet  the  proper  ornaments  for 
High  Mass,  vespers,  &c.,  but  I  hope  in  God  I  shall.  I  mean  to 
have  the  office  as  in  the  community.  Adieu,  my  Lord.  Pray 
favour  me  with  a  speedy  answer.  Messrs.  Robinson  and 
Hussey  present  their  kind  wishes.  I  am,  with  great  venera- 
tion, and  the  utmost  respect,  gratitude,  and  affection,  my  Lord, 
your  most  affectionate  and  most  sincere  friend  and  servant, 

"  LUKE  MAC  KIERNAN." 

On  the  4th  of  September,  1 784;  Abbe  Flood  writes  from 
Paris  : — 

"  MY  LORD  AND  GOOD  FRIEND, 

"  I  am  just  arrived  from  the  country,  and  purpose  to  set  out 
to-morrow  at  six  o'clock.  I  have  only  time  to  beg  pardon  for 
my  negligence,  and  promise  amendment.  The  bearer,  Mr. 
Kearney,  insists  on  having  a  letter  ;  were  it  even  nonsense  he 
must  have  it.  He  is  too  well  known  to  you  to  stand  in  need 
of  recommendatory  letters.  He  has  conducted  himself  so,  since 
your  departure,  as  to  merit  my  approbation.  His  amiable  dis- 
position and  ecclesiastical  deportment  will,  I  am  satisfied,  soon 
entitle  him  to  your  further  protection.  I  shall  say  nothing  of 
his  literary  merit,  for  he  is  soon  to  appear  before  a  more  com- 
petent judge,  and  the  sentence  I  hope  will  prove  favourable. 
.  .  .  .  Mr.  Kelly,  of  the  community,  sets  out  for  Ireland 
in  a  few  days,  and  will  probably  call  on  you  at  Navan.  He 
leaves  vacant  a  place  not  easy  to  be  filled.  The  Chancellor  is 
not  pleased  with  your  silence ;  pray  write  to  him  soon.  I  have 
never  enjoyed  worse  health  than  since  my  return  from  Ireland. 
However,  I  am  at  present  much  better.  Sick  or  sound,  I  am,  with 
the  greatest  respect,  and  unfeigned  sentiments  of  friendship, 
my  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

"P.  FLOOD." 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  103 

In  consequence  of  some  abuses  which  took  place  m  the 
parish  of  Kilmessan,  and  which  attracted  public  attention 
at  the  time,  Dr.  Plunket  wrote  the  following  to  the  Rev. 
Michael  Derham,  Pastor  of  Kilmessan  : — 

"Navan,  10th  October,  1784. 
"  REV.  DEAR  SIR, 

"  By  seriously  perusing  the  enclosed  you  may  judge 
what  opinion  is  entertained  of  a  considerable  portion  of  your 
flock,  not  only  by  Dr.  Cleghorn,  but  also  by  Dr.  Carpenter. 
The  former,  in  his  narrative  of  the  lawless  proceedings  he  com- 
plains of,  imputes  them  in  great  part  t  j  the  ignorance  of  the  lower 
class  of  Roman  Catholics,  and  thereby  plainly  enough  insinuates, 
although  he  does  not  expressly  say  it,  that  the  people  of  Kil- 
messan are  not  sufficiently  instructed  by  their  pastor.  Indeed, 
experience  proves  that  even  assiduous  instruction  is  not  always 
a  fence  against  the  greatest  abuses.  But  it  would  be  a  de- 
plorable misfortune  if  a  clergyman,  charged  with  the  care 
of  souls,  whose  principal  and  indispensable  duty  it  is  every 
Sunday  and  great  festival  to  announce  the  truths  of  eternal  salvation, 
did  by  the  neglect  of  this  awful  obligation  expose  himself  to 
be  suspected  of  conniving  at  barbarous  outrages  and  the  viola- 
tion of  law.  To  vindicate  your  own  character  and  the  honour 
of  our  holy  religion,  you  will  embrace  the  earliest  opportunity 
of  animadverting  with  proper  severity  on  the  late  enormities 
committed  in  your  neighbourhood,  and  of  enforcing  with  all  the 
authority  your  station  gives  you  the  respect  which  Roman 
Catholics  owe  to  the  laws  of  the  land.  Read  to  the  congrega- 
tion the  complaint  sent  to  their  bishop  against  them  ;  and  by 
the  most  animated  exertions  of  zeal  convince  the  public  that 
you  were  not  unconcerned,  when  order  was  subverted,  when 
decency  was  trampled  upon,  and  when  the  property  of  a 
respectable  gentleman  of  the  parish  was  violently  plundered 
by  men  who  compose  a  part  of  your  flock. 

"  I  am,  with  sincere  regard,  Rev.  dear  Sir, 

"  Your  most  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

"  $<  P.  J.  PLUNKET." 

On  the  13th  of  October,  1784,  the  Meath  students  in 
the  Irish  College  of  Doway,  over  which  presided  Dr. 
Mac  Kiernan,  sent  the  following  petition  to  Dr.  Plunket, 


104  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

"  Your  Lordship's  dutiful  and  much  obliged  children  at 
Douay,  being  fully  convinced  of  your  best  and  most  sincere 
wishes  for  the  interest  and  welfare  of  your  subjects,  most 
humbly  beg  leave  to  submit  to  your  Lordship's  wise  and  serious 
consideration  a  few  lines,  the  purport  of  which  is  as  follows  : 
Two  burses  fell  vacant  here  the  12th  of  last  June,  by  the 
departure  of  Messrs.  Boylan  and  Walsh,  and  as  we  suppose 
that  none  will  come  from  Meath  this  year  to  possess  them  (the 
season  being  now  so  far  advanced),  we  flatter  ourselves  that 
your  Lordship  will  graciously  condescend  to  order  said  burses 
to  be  divided  between  us  four,  till  it  shall  please  your  Lordship 
to  send  subjects  to  occupy  the  same.  Mr.  President  is  still  at 
Bath  ;  we  long  for  his  return,  as  his  presence  here  would 
always  be  of  service,  especially  to  us,  who,  with  the  deepest 
sense  of  gratitude,  have  the  honour  of  being  your  Lordship's 
most  dutiful,  much  obliged,  and  very  humble  servants, 

"JAMES  DALY.  JAMES  FLEMING. 

"MICHAEL  CALLAN.    JOHN  O'HARA. 

"  P.S.  — We  have  reason  to  suppose,  from  a  certain  fact,  that 
Mr.  President  will  not  allow  us  said  burses  till  he  receives 
express  orders  to  that  purpose  from  your  Lordship,  and,  there- 
fore, the  sooner  he  receives  your  kind  letter  the  better  for  us." 

On  the  15th  of  February,  1785,  Dr.  Plunket  sent  the 
following  circular  to  the  priests  of  the  diocese  respecting 
the  forthcoming  Lent : — 

"  REV.  DEAR  SIR, 

"  Alarmed  at  the  repeated  relaxation  which  almost  year 
after  year  has  been  granted  in  this  diocese  from  the  great  law 
of  abstinence  during  this  penitential  time,  and  justly  dreading 
the  rigorous  account  we  should  give  to  the  Prince  of  Pastors, 
did  we  with  unwarrantable  profusion  lavish  and  abuse  the 
sacred  power  entrusted  to  us,  the  exercise  of  which  ought  ever 
to  be  regulated  by  prudence,  caution,  and  spiritual  economy, 
we  were  resolved  to  adhere  during  the  present  Lent  to  the 
letter  of  the  precept  of  the  Church.  We  persevered  in  this 
resolution  until  the  remonstrances  of  some  of  the  most  en- 
lightened and  experienced  members  of  the  clergy  convinced  us 
of  the  propriety  of  altering  our  mind.  It  is  their  opinion  that 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  105 

the  distress  of  the  poor  is  now  particularly  great,  and  that  a 
most  numerous  class  of  the  flock  committed  to  our  care  labour 
under  a  great  difficulty  of  procuring  Lenten  diet;  a  difficulty 
sufficiently  great  to  render  indulgence  expedient  and  necessary. 
Wherefore,  agreeably  to  this  opinion,  leave  is  hereby  granted 
to  eat  flesh  meat,  in  the  diocese  of  Meath,  at  the  one  meal 
every  Sunday,  Monday,  Tuesday,  and  Thursday,  from  the 
second  Sunday  of  Lent  to  Palm  Sunday,  inclusively.  Leave  is 
also  granted  to  eat  eggs  at  the  one  meal  every  day  within  the 
same  space  of  time,  Fridays  excepted.  To  afford  the  faithful 
an  opportunity  of  compensating  in  some  degree  for  so  extensive 
a  mitigation  of  the  law  of  abstinence,  it  is  ordered  that  a  col- 
lection be  made  for  the  industrious  poor  in  each  parish  through- 
out the  diocese,  and  an  account  of  it  to  be  given  to  the  Ordi- 
nary on  his  visitation.  It  is  most  earnestly  recommended  that 
the  meat  thus  allowed  be  for  the  most  part  boiled,  that  broth 
may  be  made  and  distributed  to  the  poor,  who  are  the  principal 
objects  of  this  extraordinary  indulgence. 

"  I  am,  E.ev.  dear  Sir,  with  perfect  regard, 

"  Your  most  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

"P.  J.  PLUNKET." 

The  Rev.  Henry  Dogherty,  Pastor  of  Frankford,  in  the 
King's  County,  who  had  been  seriously  ill,  and  to  whom 
Dr.  Plunket  wrote  a  paternal  letter  on  his  recovery,  thus 
replied,  on  the  8th  of  April,  1785  : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  Your  letter,  as  it  interested  me  most,  was  the  first 
that  was  into  my  hands  on  my  recovery.  Only  the  feelings  of 
your  heart  can  tell  you  what  passed  in  mine  on  reading  it. 
Each  word  breathed  forth,  with  a  strength  and  warmth  peculiar 
to  yourself,  the  kind  friend  and  tender  parent ;  nor,  indeed, 
could  either  utter  their  anxiety  and  concern  in  words  more 
deeply  affecting,  were  their  dearest  friend  or  beloved  child 
struggling  hard  with  death.  In  return,  my  Lord,  if  I  can  call 
it  one,  I  am  not  insensible ;  I  feel  I  am  grateful :  is  my 
gratitude  acceptable  1  I  send  you  a  heart  teeming  over.  Had 
I,  like  your  Lordship,  the  art  of  pouring  out  my  whole  soul 
upon  paper,  to  render  my  gratitude  less  unworthy  your 
acceptance,  I  would  paint  it  (as  it  really  merits)  in  colours 


106  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

lively  and  unfading.  May  Jesus  Christ,  the  Supreme  Pastor 
of  souls,  enable  me  to  discharge  faithfully  my  duty  to,  and 
watch  over  with  a  zealous  care  that  portion  of  the  flock  en- 
trusted to  my  care.  Oh  !  may  I,  in  giving  up  my  accounts  on 
the  last  day,  have  it  in  my  power  to  say  of  these  souls  given  into 
my  care,  I  have  not  lost  any  ;  thus  I  should  be  of  use  to  the 
diocese  ;  thus  I  should  possess  that  merit  which  your  Lordship 
supposes  in  me. 

"  By  your  Lordship's  letter  to  Mr.  Dunn  I  was  really  sorry 
to  find  that  he  had  complained  of  the  rev.  gentlemen  of  this 
district.  Zealous  and  warm  in  his  attachments,  he  cannot 
brook  the  least  inattention.  Finding  none  of  them  here,  on 
the  different  times  he  came  to  see  me,  fired  with  resentment,  he 
wrote  to  your  Lordship.  I  must  beg  leave  to  apologize  for 
them.  They  did  not,  perhaps,  hear  of  my  illness  until  it  was 
almost  over ;  nor  if  they  had,  could  they  then  leave  their 
respective  parishes.  Mr.  Geoghegan  came  to  see  me  since  my 
recovery.  Mr.  Murry  sent  to  know  how  I  was,  and  said  Mass 
for  m*  on  Palm  Sunday  at  Killoughy.  My  neighbour,  Mr. 
Egan,  is  always  ready  to  oblige.  During  my  illness  he  answered 
many  calls,  and  often  had  prayers  said  in  Frankford 

"  Mr.  Kearney  arrived  here  on  Wednesday  last.  He  is  a 
genteel  young  man,  and  from  his  conversation  I  look  upon  him 
to  be  sensible  and  well  informed.  My  longest  excursion,  since 
my  recovery,  was  yesterday,  to  Mr.  Frank  Molloy's,  where  I 
dined,  together  with  Mr.  Kearney.  I  cannot  tell  you,  my 
Lord,  how  much  I  am  indebted  to  this  good  couple.  My  father 
and  mother  (had  they  lived)  could  not  shew  a  more  anxious 
concern  for  my  situation,  or  more  sincere  joy  for  my  recovery. 
You  know  Miss  Pritchett.  I  need  say  no  more.  Indeed,  both 
in  my  illness  and  since  my  recovery,  I  have  experienced  more 
marks  of  kindness  from  Protestants  as  well  as  Catholics,  than  ever 
I  thought  them  capable  of  shewing  one  who  is  as  yet  a  stranger 
amongst  them.  What  gave  me  the  most  heartfelt  satisfaction  was 
to  hear  that  the  little  children  used  frequently  to  kneel  down  in 

the  street,  opposite  my  window,  to  pray  for  me I 

have  taken  up  too  much  of  your  time.  God  preserve  you  from 
the  hands  of  physicians  and  apothecaries.  ISTo  clergyman  in  your 
diocese  wishes  you  more  sincerely  health  and  long  life  than, 
my  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  grateful  and  most  humble  servant, 

"  H.  DOUGHERTY." 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  107 

On  the  6th  of  September,  1785,  Dr.  Butler,  Archbishop 
of  Cashel,  writes  from  Thurles  to  Dr.  Plunket : — 

"  As  I  apprehend  from  your  long  continued  silence  that  I 
may  never  again  be  gratified  with  a  letter  from  you,  unless  I 
imparted  to  you  my  uneasiness  at  it,  I  take  the  pen  in  an  in- 
terval unoccupied  by  either  visitation  or  conference  to  express 
to  your  Lordship,  as  well  as  I  can,  my  equal  surprise  and 
anxiety  at  this  unexpected  stop  in  your  epistolary  conversation. 
If  I  have  been  the  cause  of  it;  you  11  let  me  know  my  fault. 
Ill  make  any  atonement  you  desire  before  I'd  be  any  longer 
deprived  of  the  pleasure  of  your  correspondence.  My  senti- 
ments of  friendship  for  you  are  always  as  lively,  and  I  hope 
you'll  prove  to  me  you  believe  it,  by  granting  to  these  few  lines 
what  they  are  destined  to  obtain — I  mean  the  pleasing  assurance 
of  my  being  still  thought  of  by  you,  which,  together  with  the 
news  of  your  being  in  good  health  and  spirits,  will  add  much 
to  the  happiness  of, 

"  My  ever  dear  and  most  most  honoured  Lord, 

"  Your  very  affectionate  and  devoted  servant, 

"JAMES  BUTLER." 


In  the  following  letter,  written  by  Dr.  Plunket,  dated 
at  Navan,  the  10th  of  March,  1785,  and  directed  to  his 
old  friend,  Father  Betagh,  the  reader  will  learn  some  of 
the  inconveniences  of  the  penal  times,  and  the  troubles 
which  beset  the  pathway  of  a  Catholic  prelate  in  Ireland, 
even  after  the  so-called  Catholic  Relief  Bill,  and  the  de- 
claration of  American  Independence.  He  will  remember, 
too,  Thomas  Shore,  the  Navan  Postmaster,  and  what  an 
amount  of  annoyance  such  vermin  could  give,  in  the  haly- 
con  days  of  Orange  Ascendancy.  "  The  postmaster,"  said 
Dr.  Plunket,  "  was  heard  to  express  surprise,  &c.  ;"  and, 
again,  "  1  forbid  my  curate  to  assist  in  collecting  for  him 
the  small  dues  which  he  farms  from  the  rector  of  the 
parish."  The  reader  will  note,  too,  the  deep  and  solid  affec- 
tion which  Dr.  Plunket  entertained  for  his  Grace,  Dr. 
Butler,  Archbishop  of  Cashel : — 


108  THE  BISHOPS   OF  MEATH — DK.   PLUNKET. 

"Navan,  10th  of  March,  1785. 

"  DEAR  AND  HONOURED  FRIEND, 

"  I  did  not  receive  your  letter  of  the  4th  inst.  until  late 
on  Monday,  from  the  carman  who  brought  the  oil  of  G-ilead 
safe,  with  the  clothes.  The  coat  and  waistcoat  which  I  tried 
on,  fit.  The  coat,  in  spite  of  fashion,  I  must  get  lined  at  the  back. 
It  seems  hooks  and  eyes  are  not  the  mode  at  present,  altho'  con- 
venient. Sincere  thanks  for  the  purchase  and  superintendence 
of  the  clothes.  Would  you  advise  me  to  send  the  coat  back  to 
town  to  be  lined  there  1  It  is  only  there  the  colour  can  be  matched. 

"  My  projects  of  interview  with  his  Grace  of  Cashel  have 
been  of  late  unfortunate  for  the  most  part.  In  consequence  of 
the  notice  he  gave  me,  by  one  of  his  clergy  in  town,  that  he 
was  not  to  go  to  Dublin,  I  gave  up  all  thoughts  of  travelling 
until  the  visitation,  and  put  myself  into  a  situation  in  which  it 
would  be  exceeedingly  inconvenient  for  me  to  leave  home  at 
present.  My  own  saddle  horse,  who  was  too  mettlesome,  and 
threw  me  once,  but  without  hurting  me,  I  sold  last  Saturday ; 
nor  have  I  got  a  beast  on  which  I  would  choose  to  ride  to  town. 
"Were  even  this  inconveniency  surmounted,  I  could  not  go  to 
the  capital  sooner  than  next  Monday,  in  which  case  I  should 
return  early  on  Wednesday,  the  eve  of  our  patron  day,  a  degree 
of  expedition  unsuitable  to  fasting  days,  and  scarcely  consistent 
with  a  satisfactory  enjoyment  of  his  Grace's  company.  Another 
singular  kind  of  obstacle  presents  itself  to  my  mind,  which  I 
must  not  conceal  from  the  doctor.  I  have  it  from  a  person  of 
veracity,  that  the  postmaster  of  this  town  was  heard  to  express 
surprise  at  the  frequency  of  my  correspondence  with  Dr.  Butler, 
especially  of  late,  and  to  make  remarks  on  it.  Do  not  these 
remarks  and  that  surprise  afford  some  grounds  of  suspicion  that 
our  letters  have  been  read  in  the  office  of  Navan  1  The  subject 
matter  of  these  letters  were  the  propriety,  the  necessity,  the 
motives  of  an  address  from  the  Roman  Catholics  of  Ireland  to 
both  houses  of  Parliament.  The  doctor  communicated  to  me  his 
resolution  of  going  to  Dublin  to  forward  that  business,  and 
pressed  me  to  meet  him.  In  all  this  there  is  nothing  that 
could  not  bear  the  light.  Yet,  less  than  all  this,  if  people  were 
ill-disposed,  might  be  fastened  upon  by  malevolence.  My  stay- 
ing quietly  where  I  am  would  disappoint,  perhaps,  the  waspish 
intentions  of  the  individual  who  took  umbrage  at  the  inoffensive 
intercourse  subsisting  between  two  loyal  subjects.  Thomas 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  109 

Shore  is  the  postmaster  of  this  town  ;  he  is,  moreover,  parish- 
clerk,  and  remarkably  prejudiced  against  us.  He  does  not, 
I  believe,  forgive  me  because  I  forbid  my  curates  to  assist  in  col- 
lecting for  him  the  small  dues  which  he  farms  from  the  rector  of  the 
parish.  Doctor  Butler  could  with  ease,  were  it  necessary,  get 
this  subaltern  properly  reprimanded  by  Lord  Clifden,  for  pre- 
suming to  remark,  in  presence  of  witnesses,  on  our  correspond- 
ence. I  am  inclined  to  think  that  for  the  safety  of  our  future 
communication  by  letter,  such  insolence  (I  do  not  think  the 
term  too  harsh)  should  not  escape  unnoticed.  So  much  you 
will  be  so  good  as  to  impart  to  his  Grace  of  Cashel,  to  apologize 
for  me,  should  I  not  wait  upon  him  on  this  occasion. 

"  A  last  objection  I  have  to  make  against  going  to  town, 
which  weighs  very  heavily  with  me,  altho'  not  to  be  disclosed 
to  Dr.  Butler  ;  it  is,  that  I  owe  forty  or  fifty  guineas,  and  that 
I  really  scruple  adding  to  that  sum,  and  that  I  cannot  reconcile 
myself  to  the  painful  anxiety  that  such  an  addition  would 
cause. 

"  We  are  now  finishing  our  altar  and  (illegible)  .  .  .  taber- 
nacle. The  ten  pounds  I  deposited  in  y  (illegible).  .  .  .  The 
sum  destined  for  the  purchase  of  candles  .  .  .  (illegible)  .  .  . 
these  diiferent  objects,  and  for  that  purpose  .  .  .  (illegible) 
of  Dunboyne  when  you  will  see  him.  He  will  at  same 
pay  you  what  may  be  then  personally  due  by  me.  I  gave  him 
a  commission  to  the  gentlemen  of  Adam  and  Eve ;  ask  him 
about  it.  The  Dominicans  of  Mullingar  are  determined  to 
obtain,  whether  I  will  or  not,  leave  to  quest.  They  have  been 
at  work  this  time  past  in  framing  a  memorial,  sent  lately  to 
Rome,  to  prove  themselves  a  convent,  &c.  The  laity  .  .  . 
(illegible)  .  .  .  called  in  to  tjieir  succour;  even  .  .  . 
(illegible)  ...  I  am  told  have  been  ....  (illegible) 
allies  in  supporting  the  cause  of  ...  I  shall 
wait  patiently  until  Rome  speaks. 

"  1  hope  to  hear  from  you  next  Sunday,  altho'  I  am  con- 
vinced there  will  not  be  a  chasm  in  the  intermediate  time. 
Perhaps  Doctor  Butler  may  honour  me  with  a  line  ;  unde- 
serving of  his  favour  as  1  may  appear,  I  will  not  despair  of 
receiving  it.  I  know  the  goodness  of  his  heart  and  the  extent 
of  his  indulging  disposition,  which  I  have  so  often  put  to 
•  the  test.  The  Rev.  Simon  Ryan  lately  wrote  to  me  in  his 
name.  I  acknowledge  his  Grace's  attention,  but  wish  to  hear 
from  himself.  By  this  time  I  believe  you  are  tired.  I  shall 


110  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

only  add  that  I  am,  with  unfeigned  esteem,  dear  and  honoured 
friend, 

"  Your  most  affectionate,  obliged, 

"  And  devoted  humble  servant, 

"  P.  J,  PLUNKET. 
"  To  the  Kev.  Mr.  Betagh, 

"  Saul's-court,  Fishamble-street, 
"  Dublin." 


CHAPTER  X. 

LETTERS  FROM  DR.  BUTLER,  ARCHBISHOP  OF  CASHEL. — 
FROM  DR.  O'REILLY,  ARCHBISHOP  OF  ARMAGH. — FROM 
DR.  PLUNKET. 

ON  the  19th   of  January,  1786,  Dr.  James  Butler,  Arch- 
bishop of  Cashel,  writes  to  his  old  friend,  Dr.  Plunket : — 

"  Sometime  since  I  had  the  honour  of  writing  to  your  Lord- 
ship, out  of  no  other  view  but  to  remind  you  of  one  whom,  by 
your  too  long  continued  silence,  you  seemed  to  have  entirely 
forgotten  ;  the  fate  of  that  letter  which  still  remains  unattended 
to,  would  deter  another  less  acquainted  with  the  value  of  your 
friendship  than  I  am  from  attempting  again  a  second  effort; 
but  I  feel  myself  too  much  interested,  in  the  pleasure  of  your 
correspondence,  and  too  happy  in  every  token  of  your  kind  re- 
membrance, not  to  try  all  in  my  power  to  awaken  you  from 
your  silence.  If  it  be  anything  you  have  taken  amiss  of  me,  in 
charity  and  in  justice  you  should  make  it  known  to  me  ;  it  is 
hard  to  pass  so  severe  a  sentence  on  me  as  to  deprive  me  of 
what  I  so  much  prize  without  giving  me  a  hearing.  I  can  pro- 
test that  I  am  not  conscious  to  myself  of  having  failed  in  any 
one  point  of  the  sincerest  friendship  and  regard  for  you,  and  if 
you  but  knew  the  warmth  of  my  wishes  for  you  on  the  renewal 
of  the  year,  you'd  do  me  the  justice  then  to  think  that  nothing 
but  misconception  or  misrepresentation  could  ever  hold  me  out 
in  any  other  light  to  your  eyes  than  as  a  prelate  who  always 
was,  and  always  will  be,  my  ever  dear  and  most  honoured  Lord, 
your  most  affectionate  and  devoted  servant, 

"  JAMES  BUTLER." 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  Ill 

On  the  1st  of  February,  1786,  Dr.  Butler  writes  again, 
from  Thurles,  to  Dr.  Plunket : — 

"  A  thousand  thanks  for  your  most  friendly  and  most  wel- 
come letter ;  it  was  a  real  cordial  to  me.  It  has  quite  eased 
my  mind  of  all  the  uneasiness  it  has  been  under  this  long  time 
in  not  hearing  from  your  Lordohip.  Our  correspondence  will, 
I  hope,  now  knit  again,  and  I  hope  I  shall  never  more  be  under 
the  painful  necessity  of  making  reproaches  to  you.  You  did 
justice  to  those  my  last  letter  teemed  in,  looking  upon  them  as 
the  exertions  of  all  my  ingenuity  to  obtain  even  a  few  lines 
from  you.  They  really  were  given  in  the  flow  of  the  sincerest 
friendship  and  esteem  ;  and  if  they  smarted  you,  as  you  seem  to 
own  they  did,  all  I  can  say  is  to  tell  you,  with  St.  Paul — 
"  Quoniam  etsi  contristavi  vos  in  epistola  non  me  pcenitet :  etsi 
pceniteret,  videns  quod  epistola  ilia  (etsi  ad  horam)  vos  contris- 
tavit.  Nunc  gaudeo  non  quia  contristati  estis  sed  quia  contris- 
tati  estis  ad  pcenitentiam." 

"  I  would  have  been  much  alarmed  had  I  heard  of  the  danger 
we  were  in  of  losing  you.  That,  indeed,  was  an  unforeseen  advan- 
tage of  your  silence,  as  it  saved  me  all  that  anxiety  of  mind  I  must 
have  been  a  prey  to,  during  the  interval  of  your  Lordship's  in- 
disposition. The  account  of  your  apostolical  labours  since  allows 
me  the  pleasing  comfort  of  thinking  that  you  find  yourself  per- 
fectly recovered.  I  shall  take  particular  care  at  the  first  meet- 
ing of  my  clergy  to  recommend  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smyth's  new 
translation.  My  sincere  regard  for  your  Lordship,  which  assures 
to  any  one  you  are  pleased  to  patronize,  every  mark  of  friend- 
ship in  my  power,  would  alone  engage  me  to  exert  myself  in  his 
favour  ;  but  the  merits  of  a  book  so  precious  to  piety  as  the 
"  Following  of  Christ"  is  universally  acknowledged  to  be,  calls 
upon  everyone  to  promote  as  much  as  possible  whatever  can 
render  it  more  and  more  useful  to  the  public.  I  shall  also  be 
careful  to  mention  to  Lord  Dunboyne,  whom  I  expect  every  day 
here,  the  character  your  Lordship  gives  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smyth, 
which  must  entitle  him  to  every  mark  of  the  good  Bishop  of 
Cork's  attention.  I  think  you  will  do  well  to  write  a  few  com- 
plimentary lines,  comme  vous  [obliterated]  to  the  Doctor.  I  am 
convinced  he  will  be  most  happy  to  hear  from  you  and  see  you. 
But  now,  my  dear  Lord,  the  solidtudo  omnium  ecclesiarum  calls 
upon  us  ah1,  I  think,  to  reflect  whether  it  would  not  be  highly 
proper,  nay,  even  necessary,  now  that  the  attention  of  our 


112  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Legislature  is  not  embarrassed  by  intestine  broils  or  factions, 
to  recall  to  their  minds  the  interest  of  two  millions  of  subjects. 
The  R  Catholics  totally  forgotten  and  slighted  during  the  pre- 
ceding sessions  ;  should  they  not  assert  their  right  of  being  no- 
ticed in  this  1     Should  they  not  put  in  their  claims  for  such  ad- 
ditional benefits  of  loyal  subjects  as  can  be  granted  consistently 
with  the  Constitution  and  Established  Religion1?  Such,  v.  g.,  as 
the  liberty  of  serving  their  king  and  country,  and  pleading  at 
the  bar.     Our  demanding  them  will  prove  a  consciousness  of 
deserving  them ;  whilst  our  silence  will  imply  the  contrary — 
will  argue  in  the  R  C.  a  timidity  from  conviction  of  guilt,  jus- 
tify the  foul  aspersions  incessantly  thrown  upon  us  ever  since 
the  year  '82,  and  will  establish  a  prescription  of  infamy  against 
UP.     A  petition,  therefore,  I  think,  should  be  drawn  up,  in  a 
modest  but,  at  the  same  time,  a  spirited  manner,  setting  forth 
our  title  to  the  above  favours,  and  claiming  them  in  virtue  of 
that  unreserved  protection  and  confidence  in  justice  due  to  the 
unreserved  sacred  assurances  E.  C.  gave  of  their  loyalty  to  their 
king  and  attachment  to  their  country.     This  petition  should  be 
signed  by  the  principal  R  C.  amongst  the  clergy  and  laity,  and 
presented  to  Government,  or  Parliament.     Should  it  not  be 
blessed  with  success ;  should  our  king  and  country  refuse  to  us 
these  rights  of  subjects  which  do  not  break  in  on  the  fences  of 
Church  or  State,   and  which,  Blackstone  says,  R  C.  have  an 
equal  right  to  as  other  dissenters,  whilst  they  hold  no  doctrines 
contrary  to  the  welfare  of  the  kingdom  (which  we  have  all 
declared  upon  our  oaths  we  do  not) ;  at  least  we  shall  know  our 
fate  and  not  be  left  to  linger,  as  we  have  done  these  years  past, 
between  hope  and  fear.     The  little  inclination  the  present  ad- 
ministration shows  for  relieving  us  would  be  a  motive  with  me 
to  insist  the  more  on  obtaining  from  them  what  we  have  a  right 
in  justice  to  demand.     Nor  is  it  an  objection  to  the  presenting 
such  an  address  that  we  have  no  committee.     For  such  an  ad- 
dress as  I  propose  will  appear  much  more  the  voice  of  the  whole 
body  of  R  C.,  than  one  drawn  up  by  the  committee.     Do  con- 
sult with  Lords  Fingal,  Killeen,  Mr.  Caddel,  &c.,  on  the  pro- 
priety of  this  petition.     I  am  convinced  it  is  a  step  essentially 
necessary,  and  so  are  others  I  advised  with.  My  name  need  not 
be  mentioned  on  this  occasion  if  they  be  averse  to  it ;  but  your 
own  prudence  will  direct  you.     I  write  this  in  a  great  hurry. 
Adieu,  my  ever  mo?t  dear  and  honoured  Lord.     I  am,  ahvays, 
your  most  affectionate  servant,  JAMES  BUTLER." 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  HEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  113 

On  the  llth  of  April  Dr.  Butler  writes  again  from 
Thurles : — 

"  Notwithstanding  all  the  hurry  of  business  I  have  on  my 
hands,  which,  having  prevented  me  since  Lent  began,  from  ac- 
knowledging, in  due  time,  your  most  pleasing  letter,  prevents 
me  even  noAV  from  answering  it  in  as  ample  a  manner  as  I  would 
wish,  I  will  write  to  your  Lordship  rather  than  expose  myself, 
by  any  longer  delay,  to  the  least  surmise  of  inattention  to  your 
late  favour.  I  was  very  happy  to  find  my  idea  of  a  Petition  to 
Parliament  met  so  warm  an  approbation  from  your  Lordship  ; 
but,  at  the  same  time,  I  was  equally  sorry  that  the  then  seem- 
ingly too  far  advanced  stage  of  the  session  discouraged  all  hopes 
of  having  it  drawn  up  and  subscribed  to,  in  a  manner  suitable 
to  the  interest  of  it.  Seeing,  therefore,  the  apparent  imprac- 
ticability of  that  project,  and,  being  unwilling  that  this  session 
should  pass  away  without  some  claim  being  thrown  into  the 
hands  of  Government,  from  us,  for  farther  rights,  I  took  upon 
myself  to  write  a  letter  of  three  sides  to  the  Secretary,  Mr. 
Orde,  in  the  name  of  several  respectable  R.  C.,  expressive  of 
our  concern  and  surprise  that  no  honourable  mention  had  been 
as  yet  made  of  us  in  Parliament,  but  on  the  contrary ;  and  sig- 
nifying to  him  our  anxious  expectation,  in  virtue  of  our  oaths  and 
persevering  loyalty,  of  farther  favours  being  granted  to  us — such 
as  the  liberty  of  the  bar  and  army.  His  answer,  too  long  to  be 
enclosed  to  you,  containing  nine  pages,  written  with  his  own 
hand,  was  most  gracious  ;  at  the  same  time  intimating  some 
little  jealousies  on  foot  on  account  of  the  late  disturbances  in 
Dublin,  and  the  present  ones  in  the  South,  which  they,  how- 
ever, he  says,  were  far  from  imputing  to  the  respectable,  part  of 
the  R  C.  body.  He  hinted,  also,  that  something  more  would 
be  done  for  us.  I  wait  till  Parliament  breaks  up  to  answer 
him,  as  he  mentioned  in  his  letter  that  he  was  under  a  vast 
pressure  of  affairs  at  present.  Doctor  John  Butler,  whom  I 
suppose  you  have  already  seen,  waited,  by  my  desire,  in  person 
on  him,  and  very  favourable  assurances  from  him.  I  have  a 
considerable  meeting  of  my  clergy  to-morrow,  and  I  shall  take 
care  to  recommend  Mr.  Smyth's  translation  to  them.  Your 
Lordship's  new  plan,  on  your  visitation,  had  it  no  other  advan- 
tage than  that  of  preserving  longer  the  life  of  a  prelate  so 
deservedly  dear  to  his  people  and  to  our  National  Church, 
would  surely  be  entitled  to  my  approbation,  but  the  other  good 

I 


THE   BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

effects  your  Lordship  experienced  from  it  gives  it  an  additional 
merit.  Doctor  Flood's  treatise  of  Morals,  in  English,  will  be,  I 
am  convinced,  a  valuable  and  a  useful  acquisition  to  our  clergy. 
I  hope  it  will  soon  appear.  I  believe  I  had  the  honour  of  men- 
tioning to  your  Lordship  the  sermons  for  the  Sundays  and 
Feasts  of  the  year,  which  a  Mr.  Appleton,  a  R.  C.  priest,  in 
England,  is  publishing,  calculated  entirely  for  England  and 
Ireland.  I  expect  them  soon  over,  as  I  have  subscribed  for 
several  copies,  knowing  the  young  clergyman  and  his  abilities 
for  such  a  work.  When  your  Lordship  sees  Lord  and  Lady 
Fingall,  say  all  that  is  kind  and  respectful  from  me  to  them.  I 
can't  tell  you  how  much  I  long  to  see  you.  May  I  be  more  for- 
tunate this  year  in  that  respect  than  I  was  last,  is  the  sincere 
wish  of,  my  ever  dear  and  most  honoured  Lord, 
"  Your  Lordship's  most  affectionate  and  most  obedient  servant, 

"  JAMES  BUTLER." 

On  the  2nd  of  December,  1786,  Dr.  Butler  writes  from 
Thurles  to  Dr.  Plunket.  The  letter  demonstrates  what  an 
extraordinary  reverence  he  had  for  the  Bishop  of  Meath  : — 

"  Long  since,  surprised  and  grieved  at  your  Lordship's  ceasing 
to  write  to  me,  would  I  have  expressed  those  feelings  to  your 
Lordship,  but  unwilling  or  rather  unable  to  gain  on  myself,  after 
the  most  friendly  letters  of  apology  you  wrote  to  me  before  on 
a  pretty  similar  occasion — letters  which  I  have  ever  since  most 
carefully  kept  by  me  as  precious  vouchers  of  an  uninterrupted 
enjoyment  of  your  correspondence — for  the  future  to  renew  re- 
proaches more  affecting  to  me  to  make,  as  I  was  still  inclined  to 
believe  they  would  be  more  painful  to  your  Lordship  to  hear. 
Indeed  I  pleased  myself  every  day  with  the  hopes  that  you  would 
sooner  or  later  save  me  the  mortification  of  such  a  task  by 
making  known  to  me  the  reasons  of  your  long  silence,  and 
assuring  me  that  I  had  still  the  same  share  in  your  friendly 
thoughts.  But  when,  on  an  occasion  so  interesting  to  our  Na- 
tional Church,  and  to  our  hierarchy,  and  the  general  good  of 
religion  as  the  appointing  a  proper  person  to  the  vacant  See  of 
Dublin,  the  Archbishop  of  the  capital  of  Ireland  being,  as  it 
were,  the  representative  of  us  all  in  the  eyes  of  Parliament, 
Government,  and  the  whole  •  nation — nay,  I  may  say  of  Rome 
itself — your  Lordship,  who  is  jn  the  neighbourhood,  and  in  the 
way  of  knowing  better  and  sooner  than  I  can  the  different 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  115 

sentiments  on  the  subject,  did  not  "condescend  to  write  me  a 
single  line  of  information,  I  own  to  you  the  hopes  I  had  of 
your  opening  anew  a  correspondence  with  me  have  vanished, 
and  I  now  with  reason  apprehend  some  false  report  has  been 
made  to  you  of  me  ;  for  false  I  will  answer  and  prove  it  to  be 
when  you'll  be  so  good  as  to  acquaint  me  with  it,  which  1 
earnestly  request  you  will,  and  that  as  soon  as  possible.  All  I 
shall  say  at  present  more  in  my  own  justification  is  to  appeal 
to  the  recommendatory  letter  which  I  wrote  to  Rome  of  your 
Lordship,  since  the  death  of  Dr.  Carpenter,  and  to  what  an 
acquaintance  of  yours,  Mr.  Keating  of  Kells,  agent  to  Lord 
Bective,  can  tell  you  of  my  sentiments  towards  you,  when  I  saw 
him  lately  here,  for  a  proof  of  the  real  unalterable  esteem  and, 
consequently,  affection  I  have  always  had  and  have  for  you.  I 
mentioned  Abbe  Edgworth  to  Rome  as  another  person  I  believed 
•well  qualified  to  succeed,  but  for  that  referred  his  Eminence  to 
the  Archbishop  of  Paris,  who  could  give  a  proper  character1  of 
him.  I  am  told  by  several  that  Dr.  Troy  is  most  likely  to  be 
the  elect.  All  I  can  say  is,  I  should  be  afraid,  since  the  late 
storm  against  the  Regulars,  and  from  the  Act  of  Parliament,, 
and  from  what  confidently  told  me  by  one  high  in  the  adminis- 
tration, in  the  affair  of  a  coadjutor  to  the  Primate,  that  the 
voting  at  the  present  critical  time  for  a  Regular  might  hurt  the 
cause  of  religion  on  a  future  day.  I  have  very  great  friendship 
for  Dr.  Troy,  and  am  quite  intimate  with  him  ;  but  I  declare 
to  your  Lordship  was  he  my  brother  I  would  not  vote  for  him 
where  there  was  any  danger  of  hurting  religion,  let  him  be 
otherwise  ever  so  qualified. 

"  I  shall  expect,  you  may  be  sure,  a  most  speedy  answer  to 
this,  and  direct  to  Thurles,  as  it  is  now  a  post-town  as  well  as 
Navan. 

"  I  am,  and  have  always  been,  my  dear  Lord, 

"  Your  affectionate  and  devoted  friend, 

"  JAMES  BUTLER." 

On  the  8th  of  September,  1786,  the  Primate  writes  from 
Drogheda  to  Dr.  Plunket : — 

"  MY  DEAR  AND  HONOURED  LORD, 

"  I  made  a  return  long  since  to  the  Vicar-General  of 
Dublin,  in  the  absence  of  the  Archbishop,  of  the  Masses  cele- 
brated, "pro  intentione  [illegible^,"  in  the  diocese  of  Dromore,  the 


116  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

only  one  in  this  province,  except  Armagh  and  Meath,  where 
such  Masses  are  discharged.     The  number,  I  think,  was  fifteen. 

"  Your  Lordship's  motive  for  conniving  at  the  practice  of 
saying  two  Masses  on  the  same  day  in.  the  two  Friars  of  your 
diocese  is  certainly  praiseworthy.  Peace  is  so  desirable  a  bless- 
ing that  we  must  at  times  make  sacrifices  for  its  sake.  Whether 
a  grant  of  a  similar  privilege,  in  favour  of  Lord  Killeen,  be  ex- 
pedient, or  whether  it  is  better  to  put  a  stop  to  what  your 
Lordship  deems  an  abuse,  and  what  I  should  deem  so  too,  was 
the  practice  general,  I  shall  not  pretend  to  determine.  This, 
however,  I  shall  say  that  Avas  I  circumstanced  as  your  Lordship 
is,  the  same  prudent  consideration  which  withheld  you  hitherto 
from  making  any  innovation  with  regard  to  the  two  Regulars,  or 
the  families  by  whom  they  are  employed,  would  prevent  me 
from  taking  any  step  on  the  present  occasion  that  would  give 
so  respectable  a  Catholic  nobleman,  as  Lord  Killeen,  the  least 
reason  to  complain. 

"  I  remain,  very  respectfully  and  affectionately, 

"  My  dear  and  honoured  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servant, 

"RICHARD  EEILLY." 

The  following  letter  was  writen  by  Dr.  Plunket  on  the 
occasion  of  the  affiliation  of  George  Thomas  Plunket  for 
the  diocese  of  Meath.  It  is  dated  Navan,  December  12th, 
1786  :— 

"  DEAR  SIR, 

"  You  could  not  have  employed  a  more  powerful  advo- 
cate to  plead  the  cause  you  seem  to  have  much  at  heart  than  his 
Excellency  the  Apostolic  Nuncio  at  Bruxelles.  To  so  high  and 
distinguished  a  recommendation  the  Bishop  of  Meath  could  not 
refuse  anything  in  his  power  to  grant ;  nor  rfoes  he  fear  even 
that  jealousy,  which  is  often  the  consequence  of  the  affiliation 
of  a  stranger,  when  he  complies  with  the  warm  request  of  so 
exalted  a  character  as  the  representative  of  his  Holiness. 

"  The  adoption  of  your  son  for  this  diocese  is  a  favour  you 
owe  his  Excellency,  and  you  will,  I  am  sure,  take  the  earliest 
opportunity  of  acknowledging.  But  to  avail  yourself  of  it  you 
must  obtain  dismissory  letters  from  the  bishop  of  the  diocese  in 
which  your  son  was  born,  and  permission  for  him  to  become  a 
ubject  of  the  diocese  of  Meath.  without  which  my  hands  are 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  HEATH — DR.  PLUNK  ET.  117 

tied.  Who  this  bishop  is  I  do  not  know.  He  will  not,  I  am 
persuaded,  hesitate  to  indulge  your  wishes  when  he  is  made  ac- 
quainted with  the  reasonable  motives  on  which  they  are 
grounded,  and  with  the  disposition  of  the  Nuncio  and  the  Bishop 
of  Meath.  Apply,  therefore,  to  him  with  confidence,  mention 
your  son's  age  precisely,  and  enclose  a  certificate  of  his  conduct, 
&c.,  while  at  Louvain,  and  until  the  present  period.  Give  me 
leave  to  thank  you,  Sir,  for  the  good  opinion  you  are  pleased  to 
entertain  of  me,  but,  at  the  same  time,  to  assure  you  that  I 
should  be  most  unworthy  of  it  were  I  vain  and  presumptuous 
enough  to  wish  to  be  higher  than  I  am.  I  shall  feel  particular 
satisfaction  if  I  have  only  to  add  that  my  complying  with  his 
Excellency  the  Nuncio's  request  obliges  a  namesake,  the  nephew 
of  my  honoured  friend,  Dr.  Plunket  of  Paris,  and  proves  useful 
to  a  young  candidate,  of  whose  merit  his  respectable  superiors 
at  Louvain  give  so  favourable  a  testimony. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  dear  Sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servant, 

"  •*  P.  J.  PLUNKET." 


CHAPTER  XI. 

LETTERS  FROM  DR.  KEARNEY,  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  IRISH 
COLLEGE  OF  PARIS. — FROM  DR.  BUTLER,  ARCHBISHOP  OF 
CASHEL. — FROM  FATHER  BETAGH. — DECREE  OF  THE 
SACRED  CONGREGATION  REGARDING  THE  RIGHT  OF  THE 
DOMINICANS  OF  MULLINGAR  TO  QUEST ;  AND  LETTER  OF 
DR.  PLUNKET  TO  THE  VERY  REV.  LAURENCE  FITZGERALD, 
O.P.,  P.P.,  MULLINGAR. — LETTER  OF  DR.  BUTLER. 

ON  the  24th  of  January,  1787,  Dr.  Kearney,  President  of 
the  Irish  College  of  Paris,  writes  to  Dr.  Plunket : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  Though  the  boy  who  is  to  have  the  honour  of  handing 
you  this  letter  be  not  of  your  diocese,  nor,  perhaps,  much  known 
to  you,  his  quality  of  a  community-boy  of  your  neighbourhood, 
and  of  a  lad  of  excellent  conduct,  character,  and  talents,  give 
him  a  kind  of  a  right  to  be  introduced  and  presented  to  you.  He 
is  of  an  amiable,  docile  disposition  of  mind.  The  weak  state  of 
his  health  forces  him  to  have  recourse,  for  his  recovery,  to  the 


118  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

kind  influence  of  his  native  air.  I  hope  he  may  be  restored  soon 
to  his  natural  constitution,  and  that  he  will  not  fall  off  from  the 
resolution  he  is  now  in  of  coming  back  to  us.  I  forgot  to  tell 
you  that  his  name  is  Marron,  from  Drogheda.  He  called  to  me 
for  a  letter  to  your  Lordship.  I  had  every  kind  of  motives  not 

to  refuse  him I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for 

the  present  you  have  made  the  house,  in  the  person  of  your 
nephew.  He  seems  to  be  very  mild,  docile,  and  studious.  If 
he  continues  so,  I  answer  for  his  success.  He  is  peculiarly 
happy  in  not  being  obliged  to  seek,  out  of  his  own  family,  for 
rare  models  of  everything  we  would  wish  him  to  become. 

"  A  letter  that  goes  by  hand  is  seldom  filled  with  interesting 
news  ;  it  shall  be  for  another  moment.  You  will  excuse  the 
form  of  this  letter. 

"  I  am,  my  Lord,  with  my  usual  sentiments  for  you, 
"  For  ever  yours, 

"  KEARNEY." 

On  the  29th  of  June,  1787,  Dr.  Kearney  writes  again  : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  Mr.  Farrell  is  now  going  home  to  labour  in  the  Lord's 
vineyard,  under  your  protection.  He  is  full  of  good  will, 
healthy  and  strong.  He  has  great  facility,  which,  I  am  confi- 
dent, he  will  make  good  use  of;  he  has,  too,  a  very  good  notion 
of  his  business.  When  he  Avill  have  acquired  some  experience, 
he  will,  no  doubt,  appear  quite  another  man.  His  character  is 
really  good.  Advice  he  receives  well,  and  wishes  to  profit  of 
it ;  and  what  may  we  not  expect  from  him  when  he  has  such 
counsels  as  yours  to  get  and  to  follow  ? 

"  Mr.  Coffy  was  ordered  home  for  his  health.  His  blood  is 
singularly  heated,  and  all  the  glands  of  his  neck  quite  swelled. 
This  disorder  requires  bathing  in  salt  water,  better  nourish- 
ment, and  more  exercise  than  he  can  have  here.  He  seemed 
to  me  always  of  a  very  docile  character,  sometimes  a  little 
warm,  but  inoffensively  so.  He  applied  well  to  his  studies, 
and  attended  regularly  to  his  spiritual  duties.  I  hope  he  will 
recover  his  health,  as  there  is  every  room  to  expect  he  would 
make  a  worthy  ecclesiastic. 

"  I  am,  with  respect  and  sincere  regard,  my  Lord, 
"  Your  very  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

"  C.  KEARNEY." 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  HEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  119 

On  the  4th  of  November,  1787,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Kearney, 
President  of  the  Irish  College  of  Paris,  again  writes  to  Dr. 
Plunket  :— 

"  MY  LORD, 

"Mr.  Johnson  will  have  the  honour  of  handing  this 
letter  to  your  Lordship.  He  received  priesthood  last  Septem- 
ber, and  is  now  determined  to  offer  you  his  services.  I  am' 
satisfied  he  will  readily  comply  with  everything  you  will  be 
pleased  to  point  out  to  him.  He  has  a  great  deal  of  good  will, 
and  is  very  capable  of  improving,  which  I  hope  he  will  do, 
under  your  care  and  directions.  He  has  passed  his  time  here, 
liked  by  all  his  companions,  with  whom  I  never  remember 
that  he  had  the  least  altercation.  He  applied  to  his  studies, 
and  has  laid  a  fund  on  which  he  can  improve.  He  is  resolved 
to  follow,  as  nearly  as  he  can,  a  studious  plan  of  life ;  the 
greatest  preservation  against  vice.  I  am  confident  he  will 
render  himself  worthy  of  your  protection  and  good  graces.  I 
can  wish  him  no  greater  happiness.  He  will  inform  you  that 
everyone  here  is  well,  peaceable,  and  quiet. 

"  I  am,  with  real  attachment,  now  of  a  long  standing, 

"  My  Lord,  your  very  humble  servant. 

"  C.  KEARNEY." 


Dr.  Butler,  Archbishop  of  Cashel,  writes  from  Thurles 
on  the  28th  of  January,  1787  : — 

"  MY  EVER  DEAR  LORD, 

"  A  letter  1  wrote  in  December  to  Lord  Kenmare,  being 
looked  upon  to  contain  facts  subversive  of  all  Dr.  Woodward's 
strictures  on  us,  I  consented,  however  undressed  and  inaccurate 
as  to  the  style,  to  its  being  printed  in  the  Kilkenny  paper ; 
and,  as  Dr.  Egan  and  Dr.  Molloy  tell  me,  it  appears  to  both 
Catholics  and  Protestants  to  do  away  his  Lordship's  reflections 
upon  us,  I  lose  no  time  to  send  it  to  your  Lordship.  It  may 
furnish  you  with  reflections,  and  prompt  your  Lordship  and 
other  of  my  venerable  confreres  to  communicate  their  thoughts 
and  researches  to  the  giving  fosth  a  solemn  formal  justification 
of  ourselves  and  our  tenets.  I  have  one  in  view,  a  very  able 
pen  to  draw  it  up,  and  I  have  a  whole  magazine  of  materials 


120  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

and  authentic  documents,  which,  with  your  Lordship's  and  the 
other  prelates'  assistance,  will  enable  him  to  do  us  justice  and 
honour.  We  may  never  have  such  an  opening  again  to  shew 
our  real  principles  ;  let  us  not  miss  it.  I  ventured  to  throw  a 
little  pebble  at  this  Goliah  who  has  braved  the  host  of  Israel. 
God  grant  it  may  answer  my  wish,  which  is,  obstruere  ora 
.  calumniantium.  As  your  Lordship  has  a  masterly  style,  why 
not  take  your  pen  in  hand  1  Adieu.  Think  of  your  printer 
and  what  I  mentioned. 

"  Your  affectionately, 

"  JAMES  BUTLER." 

On  the  26th  of  February,  same  year,  Dr.  Butler  again 
writes : — 

"  You  know  by  your  own  experience  how  hard  it  is  to  re- 
fuse complying  with  a  petition  like  the  enclosed,  and^that  diffi- 
culty, such  human  feelings  find  to  refuse,  will  apologize  for  my 
troubling  your  Lordship  with  it.  All  I  can  say  of  the  poor  man  it 
regards  is,  that  I  believe  him  honest,  and  as  to  the  rest  I  leave 
to  your  Lordship  to  act  according  to  your  own  prudence.  I 
have  been  much  disappointed  in  not  seeing  you  in  Dublin.  A 
St.  Anthony  and  several  other  holy  hermits  came  forth  from 
their  cells  and  deserts  in  Constantinople,  when  religion  was  in 
danger  from  the  Arian  heresy.  The  bishops  assembled  from 
all  parts  of  the  world  at  Nice  to  crush  it  in  its  very  birth  ;  and 

your  Lordship but  I'll  say  no  more.      I  am  sure  you  have 

most  weighty  reasons  to  allege  ;  I  hope  not  sickness.  I  had 
the  pleasure  of  seeing,  soon  after  my  arrival  here,  two  of  your 
clergy,  to  whom  I  imparted  my  surprise  at  not  meeting  your 
Lordship  here,  which,  adding  new  force  to  the  letter  I  wrote 
engaging  you  to  join  here,  has  enhanced  more  and  more  my 
uneasiness  at  not  seeing  you.  I  have  the  pleasure  to  tell  your 
Lordship  that  Almighty  God  has  blessed  my  journey  to  Dublin 
with  the  most  wished  for  success.  The  different  interviews  I 
had  with  Mr.  Orde  and  with  the  Secretary  of  State  gave  me  an 
opportunity  of  shewing  them  the  letter  from  Rome,  &c.,  alluded 
to  in  the  letter  to  Lord  Kenmare.  They  both  assured  me  they 
were  quite  satisfactory.  Your  Lordship  may  see  a  proof  of  the 
change  they  operated  in  their  minds  in  the  expunging  of  the 
two  clauses  in  the  Bill  that  were  so  disgraceful  to  us.  Mr. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH  —DR.  PLUNKET.  121 

Orde  assured  me  himself  they  should  be  effaced  from  it.  I 
really  believe,  from  the  different  conversations  I  have  had  since 
I  came  here,  and  from  the  publications  that  have  appeared  and 
will  appear  in  our  favour,  that  Woodward's  attack  on  us  will 
be  a  felix  culpa.  I'll  nottleave  town  'till  the  middle  of  the  week; 
take,  therefore,  a  ride  here ;  it  will  do  you  and  do  me  good. 
I  must  stay  to  watch  the  motion  about  education.  Adieu.  A 
wus  revoir. 

"  Yours  most  affectionately, 

"JAMES  BUTLER. 

"  Dublin,  N.  Great  George' s-street, 
"  At  Mr.  Browne's." 


On  the  Slst  of  March,  same  year,  Dr.  Butler  writes 
from  Dublin : — 

"  As  the  publication  of  my  pamphlet,  in  which  I  have  been 
so  constantly  busied,  as  not  to  have  had  leisure  even  to  answer 
your  letter,  has  made  any  farther  stay  of  mine  in  Dublin  unne- 
cessary, I  purpose,  please  God,  to  leave  this  next  Monday. 
But  before  1  left  your  neighbourhood  I  thought  it  my  duty  to 
acknowledge  your  obliging  favour,  which  would  have  been  more 
welcome  to  me  had  it  promised  me  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you 
here.  I  have  had  the  happiness  of  meeting  Lady  Fingall,  of  whom 
I  enquired  much  about  your  Lordship's  health,  and  charged 
her  to  scold  you  for  keeping  away  from  Dublin  aU  this  time 
that  I  have  been  in  it.  I  am  very  much  tired  and  fatigued 
from  the  numberless  visits  I  have  been  obliged  to  make,  some 
through  politeness,  and  others  through  a  desire  of  serving  the 
public  cause.  Next  week  I  shall  be  no  less  occupied,  tho'  in  a 
narrower  compass,  in  fulfilling  the  duties  I  owe  to  my  diocese. 
Your  Lordship,  no  doubt,  heard  the  reports  circulated  about 
Lord  Dunboyne's  resigning  his  bishoprick.  I  am  happy  to 
have  to  assure  you  that  they  are  all  groundless.  I  shall  be 
happy  to  hear  that  the  Lent,  notwithstanding  the  very  rigorous 
manner  Lady  Fingall  tells  me  you  keep  it,  agrees  with  you. 
For  my  part,  were  it  not  for- the  fatigue  of  mind  and  body  I 
have  undergone,  I  would  have  no  reason  to  complain.  It  is  owing 
to  what  I  feel  from  them  that  I  conclude  so  soon  this  letter. 


122  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET. 

I  shall  hop  3,  when  the  hurry  of  Holy  Week  is  over,  to  hear 
from  you.     En  attendant,  I  have  the  honour  to  remain, 

"  My  ever  dear  and  most  honoured  Lord,  your  Lordship's 
"  Most  affectionate  and  obedient  servant, 

"JAMES  BUTLER." 


On  the  28th  of  July,  1787,  Father  Betagh  writes,  by 
hand : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  The  bearer,  John  Robinson,  is  the  youth  mentioned 
in  my  letter  of  the  present  date  sent  by  Navan,  that  your 
Lordship  might  not  be  unprepared.  I  suppose  he  brings  with 
him  his  dismission  from  Kildare,  as  I  directed  that  his  appli- 
cation should  first  be  made  to  his  native  prelate.  I  have 
nothing  to  add  in  his  favour  but  that  at  the  close  of  Mr. 
Mulcaile's  school  he  obtained  two  premiums.  The  purity  and 
innocence  of  morals,  the  readiness  of  his  genius,  his  application 
to  study,  and  his  progress,  would  almost  render  unnecessary  the 
intervention  of  his  two  most  respectable  friends,  who  are  en- 
titled to  every  indulgence  a  Bishop  of  Meath  can  grant. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  my  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  humble  servant, 

"  And  affectionate  friend, 

"THOMAS  BETAGH." 


The  decree  of  the  Sacred  Congregation  respecting  the 
Dominicans*  of  Mullingar  was  accompanied  by  the  fol- 
lowing letter  from  Cardinal  Antonelli  to  Dr.  Plunket : — 

"  Illustrissime  ac  Eeverendissime  Domine,  uti  Frater :  sub- 
jecta  tandem  Sacrse  hujus  Congregationis  judicio  questione 
Fatrum  Ordinis  Prsedicatorum  Provincise  HiberniaB  quoad  vin- 
dicatum  sibi  jus  stipem  a  populo  emendicandi  in  Districtu 
Coenobii  Mullingarensis  istius  Dicecesis  :  Eminen  P.P.  rein 
absolveruut  prout  Amplitudo  tua  dignoscet  ex  introcluso 
authentico  decreto :  cujus  executionem  dum  auctoritati  et 


See  Diocese  of  Heath,  vol.  ii.,  p.  468. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  123 

vigilantise  tuse  committimus,  Deum,  O.  M  precamur  ut  Ampli- 
tudinem  Tuain  diutissime  servet.  ac  sospitet, 

"  Amplitudinis  Tuse,  uti  Frater,  Card.  Antonelli  Prsefectus, 

"  S.  BORGIA,  Secretarius. 
"Komse,  25  Septembris,  1787." 

When  Dr.  Plunket  received  the  above  letter  and  de- 
cree, he  sent  copies  to  the  Rev.  Laurence  Fitzgerald,  O.P., 
P.P.  of  Mullingar,  accompanied  by  the  following  letter : — 

"  EEV.  DEAR  SIR, 

"  The  above  decree,  I  received  last  Friday,  and  send  it 
to  you  without  loss  of  time.  1  was  not  the  aggressor  in  this 
dispute ;  I  only  stood  on  the  defensive,  whilst  I  represented 
the  sense  of  the  secular  clergy  relative  to  the  subject  of  our 
controversy.  Give  me  leave  to  conclude,  as  I  began  this  busi- 
ness, with  a  profession  of  my  high  respect  and  veneration  for 
your  order,  and  to  assure  you  sincerely  that  1  will  be  happy, 
whenever  1  can,  consistently  with  duty,  to  promote  the  welfare 
and  felicity  of  any  of  the  respectable  individuals  who  belong  to  it. 

"P.  J.  PLUNKET. 

"Navan,  21st  October,  1787." 

As  this  work  was  passing  through  the  press,  I  dis- 
covered the  following  letter  of  Dr.  Butler's  to  Dr.  Plunket, 
which  has  some  relerence  to  the  apostate,  Lord  Dun- 
boyne : — 

"  MY  EVER  DEAR  AND  MOST  HONOURED  LORD, 

"  As  you  request  an  immediate  answer  from  me  to  your 
letter  of  the  3rd  instant,  which  1  most  gratefully  acknow- 
ledge, however  melancholy  the  account  be  it  conveys  to  me 
of  my  unhappy  suflragan,  I  sit  down,  alter  quitting  my 
clergy  who  were  with  me  this  day  at  a  conference,  to  let  you 
know  that  I  highly  applaud  your  conduct  towards  Lord  Dun- 
boyne,  and  quite  agree  with  you  that  violent  measures  are  not 
immediately  to  be  adopted.  We  must  not  extinguish  the 
smoking  flax,  nor  break  the  bending  reed.  "  Cuncta  piius 
tentunda,  sed  si  imniedicaMe  vulnus  ense  retidendum  est." 

"  Your  approbation  of  the  pamphlet  gives  me  the  highest 
idea  I  have  yet  entertained  of  its  merit.  I  would  not  be  sorry, 
when  you  see  Lord  Fingall,  and  some  others  of  your  opulent 


124  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Catholics,  that  you  would  signify  to  them  that  a  Counsellor 
George  G  (erased),  tho'  a  Protestant,  exerted  himself  most 
strenuously  to  give  every  merit  to  my  '  Justification  of  the 
Roman  Catholic  Tenets,'  by  a  little  work  he  published,  en- 
titled '  A  short  Plea  for  Good  Nature  and  Common  Sense.'  It 
would  be  well,  then,  if  they  would  testify  their  grateful  sense 
of  his  zealous  endeavours  in  their  behalf,  and  thereby  retain 
him,  as  he  is  a  young  man  of  uncommon  abilities,  to  serve  their 
cause  on  a  future  day. 

"  I  hava  only  time  now  to  add  the  sincerest  assurances  of  all 
that  is  most  kind  from, 

"  My  ever  dear  and  most  honoured  Lord, 

"  Your  most  affectionate, 

"JAMES  BUTLER. 

"Thurles,  May  7th,  1787." 


CHAPTER  XII. 

LETTERS  FROM  THE  PRESIDENT  OF  THE   IRISH    COLLEGE   OF 
PARIS. FROM  DR.  BUTLER,  ARCHBISHOP  OF  CASHEL. 

On  the  9th  June,  1788,  Dr.  Kearney  writes  from  Paris: — 

"  MY  DEAR  LORD  AND  FRIEND, 

"  Had  your  long  silence  put  me  ever  so  much  out  of 
humour,  your  letter  to  Mr.  Flanagan  and  the  one  you  favoured 
me  with,  were  perfectly  calculated  to  cheer  and  comfort  my 
soul.  The  one  you  sent  for  the  perusal  of  your  Meathians  was 
a  petit  chef  d'oevre  of  the  finest  of  sentiments,  and  of  elegance  of 
style.  It  was  given  to  me  to  read.  I  read  it  with  transport, 
with  ecstasy.  The  emotions  of  my  soul  I  could  not  contain. 
They  broke  out  by  some  expression  or  another  at  every  line  I 
read.  On  finishing  it,  I  desired  a  copy  should  be  given  to  me 
of  it ;  and  that  everyone  who  was  worthy  to  feel  what  delicacy 
and  taste  were  should  take  and  keep  a  copy  of  it  too.  I  told 
them,  with  a  certain  triumph,  that  I  was  happy  they  had  in 
their  hands  so  charming  a  specimen  of  what  the  eleves  of  our 
times  were  capable  of  doing  :  and  earnestly  requested  they 
would  have  their  eyes  constantly  turned  up  towards  the  model 
which  was  now  proposed  to  them  :  and  finished  by  assuring 
them  that  I  should  be  the  happiest,  the  most  exalted  of  man- 
kind, were  I  to  see  them  seriously  bent  on  striving  to  imitate 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  125 

it.  What  you  said  to  them  on  obedience,  patience,  resignation, 
charity,  and  an  exclusive  application,  each  one  to  his  own  busi- 
ness, was  better  than  what  I  ever  could  say  to  them.  It 
must  have  made  a  deep  impression  on  them.  However, 
they  did  not  come  as  yet  to  make  the  apology  for  them- 
selves which  you  require  very  properly  of  them.  Perhaps  they 
may  imagine  that  the  general  reparation  they  made  in  the  be- 
ginning is  sufficient.  Mr.  Flanagan  was  drawn  into  that  affair 
against  his  witt,  I  believe.  He  behaved  always  very  well,  and 
applied  very  close  to  his  studies,  in  which  he  has  made  a  con- 
siderable progress.  He  is,  I  take  it,  sincere  ;  yet,  I  must  be- 
lieve him  on  his  own  words  chiefly  ;  for  I  must  allow  there  was 
always  a  little  darkness  which,  I  fear,  hindered  me  from  seeing 
quite  as  clear  into  him  as  I  could  have  wished.  But  as  this  is 
only  a  dread  conceived  by  myself,  without  any  positive  proof 
of  my  being  in  the  right,  I  act  with  him  as  if  I  had  not  the 
least  cloud  on  my  mind.  He  is  somewhat  passionate.  He 
promised  me  to  study  to  acquire  an  empire  over  himself ;  he 
seems  to  me  to  have  begun  the  task,  which  gives  me  a  good 
opinion  of  him.  Were  he  less  uncouth  in  his  manners,  and  had 
he  more  facility  of  speech,  he  would  do  honour  to  the  house. 
If,  in  the  world,  he  get  to  be  more  fashioned,  and  to  deliver 
himself  more  freely,  which  I  am  sure  he  will,  I  can  venture  to 
say  you  will  be  so  far  content  with  him.  I  am  not  quite  so 
sure  of  Mr.  Lyons  ;  hence  I  shall  prolong  my  trial  of  him.  I 
begin  to  expect  a  good  deal  from  Cruise.  He  was  of  a  wild 
disposition,  and  he  is  still  somewhat  odd  ;  but  better  principles 
and  sentiments  no  boy  can  have.  He  applies  close  to  his  duty, 
of  which  one  proof  is  that  he  knew  no  Irish  some  months  ago, 
lie  has  now  got  to  be  able  to  get  the  whole  Irish  Catechism 

by  heart.     Mr.  Fitzgerald  I  am  not  satisfied  with 

Your  nephew  behaves  very  well,  yet  I  scold  him  very  often. 
He  has  talents  and  application,  but  I  want  to  rouse  him  into 
some  emulation  and  taste,  which,  I  think,  he  is  beginning  to 
acquire.  I  do  not  at  all  despair  of  him  ;  but  would  to  God  he 
was  entirely  worthy  of  being  your  nephew.  As  to  what  has 
been  said  of  not  frequenting  the  sacraments,  I  cannot  allow  to 
pass  by  unrefuted.  There  are  as  pious  and  as  regular  boys  here 
now  as  ever  I  saw.  The  frequentation  of  the  sacraments,  how- 
ever, cannot  be  as  striking  as  it  was  formerly.  Most  of  our  holi- 
days were  suppressed,  and  consequently  there  are  much  fewer 
occasions  of  public  communions.  Besides,  I  must  allow,  that 


126  THE   BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

the  confessors  not  living  in  the  house,  as  in  our  time,  there  is 
necessarily  much  less  exactness.  What  comforts  me  is  that  the 
spirit  of  devotion  is  by  no  means  extinct,  as  was  hinted  to  you. 
As  for  the  nourishment,  I  believe  it  never  was  better,  and  I  am 
sure  never  was  more  abundant ;  yet  every  article  of  consump- 
tion is  growing  daily  dearer.  Our  revenues  are  not  increasing; 
the  number  of  the  non-paying  has  been  very  considerable,  and 
the  consequence  is  that  we  have  contracted  debts,  which  we  can 
only  pay  off  by  diminishing  the  number  of  the  pensioners,  and 
keeping  only  such  as  the  house  can  really  support.  The  charges 
of  the  house  are  great ;  there  is  not  a  burse  in  it — one  or  two 
excepted,  that  the  house  does  not  add  something  to  support 
the  burse.  There  is,  then,  a  considerable  part  of  the  revenues 
applied  to  the  burses.  Another  considerable  part  must  be 
consecrated  to  make  up  for  the  scantiness  of  the  pensions. 
What,  then,  will  be  left  for  the  support  of  those  who  pay 
nothing,  and  for  the  other  charges.  I  can  assure  you  that  the 
revenues  of  the  house  are  below  the  actual  charges.  Hence,  those 
charges  must  be  diminished.  Had  we  only  burses,  then  the 
house  could  support  gratis  so  many  boys  from  each  province, 
and  they  would  be  much  better  off;  and  it  was  the  constant 
intention  of  the  superiors  here  to  bring  about  this.  What  ruins 
us  are  the  pensioners  who  come  here  under  the  pretence  of 
paying ;  the  house  expects  it,  receives  others,  as  it  ought  to  do, 
in  consequence,  gratis ;  and  thus  it  finds  itself  overcharged. 

I  have  myself  been  guilty  of  this  imprudence, 

of  this  credulity  heretofore  ;  but  I  am  resolved  to  put  an  end 
to  it.  Were  we  once  reduced  to  those  who  enjoy  burses  here, 
then  the  common  funds  would  be  sufficient  to  support,  besides 
a  certain  number  of  other  boys  gratis  which  we  try  to  make  a 
proper  choice  of.  Do  not  take  what  I  say  here  as  anyways  re- 
"garding  your  nephew.  He  has  a  right  to  what  is  allowed,  and 
he  shall  remain  so ;  no  one  will  presume  to  find  it  amiss.  The 
only  method  for  pensioners  would  be  to  have  them  pay  around 
sum  all  at  once.  For  a  boy  who  begins  his  philosophy,  nothing 
less  than  sixty  guineas  can  at  present  be  taken  ;  and  one-third 
more  for  a  boy  who  would  begin  his  troisieme.  We  are  now 
working  at  a  perfect  statement  of  the  funds  of  the  house.  The 
archbishop  wants  to  see  what  it  has.  When  that  work  is  over, 
it  can  better  be  told  what  the  house  is  able  to  do,  and  how 
many  boys  it  would  educate  gratis.  Your  plan  of  founding  a 
burse,  to  be  given  au  coiicours  to  boys  from  your  diocese  is 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET.  127 

admirable.  Would  to  God  they  were  all  so ;  we  should  not 
have  so  many  logs  of  wood  as  we  have.  When  families  in  Ire- 
land have  burses,  they  seem  to  choose  out  for  the  most  unpro- 
mising of  their  flock.  There  is  at  present  an  opportunity  of  laying 
out  the  money  you  have  in  your  hands  in  a  manner  very  advan- 
tageous and  very  safe  for  your  diocese.  The  best  method  of  con- 
veying the  sum  is  by  bills  or  by  a  bill  on  London.  It  will  be  re- 
ceived here,  and  with  some  profit  on  the  exchange.  The  sooner 
it  is  sent,  the  sooner  it  will  fructify,  and  the  sooner  it  can  be  en- 
joyed. We  want  promising  subjects A  good,  an 

excellent  gold  repeating  watch  you  will  get  for  twenty-five 
louis.  Let  me  know  your  intention,  and  I  shall  get  you  one 
from  the  first  watchmaker  in  this  city.  Any  other  commission 
which  you  may  have,  I  beg  you  will  employ  me  with.  It  will 
be  conferring  on  me  new  obligations,  whenever  I  can  serve  you, 
for  I  have  conceived  for  you  a  very  sincere  attachment  from  our 
most  early  acquaintance.  The  eulogium  you  were  pleased  to 
pass  on  me,  in  your  letter  to  Mr.  Flanagan,  confounded  me. 
The  goodness  of  your  heart  could  alone  have  justified  it.  ... 
"  I  am,  my  Lord,  yours  eternally, 

"  0.  KEARNEY." 

About  the  middle  of  July,  there  is  no  date  on  the  letter, 
Dr.  Kearney  writes  again : — 

"  MY  LORD  AND  HONOURED  FRIEND, 

"  In  mv  last  letter  to  you  I  mentioned  that  the  best 
method  of  conveying  the  sum  you  intend  for  a  foundation  in 
this  house  would  be  by  bills  on  London.  If  they  be  not  sent 
off  already,  you  may  send  the  money  by  Dr.  Barrett  of  Ennis, 
through  whose  hands  more  money  than  that  is  to  be  paid  in 
Ireland.  His  receipt  will  be  for  me  equivalent  to  the  sum  he 
will  acknowledge  having  got  from  you.  It  may  be  that  you 
would  find  more  facility  in  following  this  method.  You  will, 
however,  act  in  that  as  you  think  proper.  Should  you  chose  to 
send  him  the  three  hundred  pounds,  I  would  be  obliged  to  you 
to  do  it  as  soon  as  possible,  as  what  he  will  be  charged  to  pay 
is  to  be  given  immediately.  The  conditions  of  the  foundation 
you  are  yourself  as  proper  a  judge  of  as  can  be.  I  approve 
vastly  of  giving  the  benefit  of  it  by  concourse.  Would  to  God 
all  our  burses  were  so  founded.  What  you  remarked  about  the 
method  of  being  paid  beforehand,  in  one  sum,  by  such  as  come 


128  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

here  in  quality  of  pensioners,  I  find  by  daily  experience  the 
necessity  of.  It  will  be  impossible  otherwise  of  securing  any- 
thing from  them.  What  I  shall  call  for  then,  to  be  fixed  on  by 
his  Grace  of  Paris,  is  that  each  pensioner  shall  give  on  his  ar- 
rival here  at  once  at  least  fifty  guineas  if  he  begins  philosophy, 
and  about  seventy  if  he  begins  troisieme.  Dividing  that  sum 
between  the  number  of  years  they  are  to  spend  in  the  house 
from  the  beginning  of  their  classes,  they  will  have  only  paid  at 
the  rate  of  two  hundred  livres  yearly.  It  will  be  by  much 
cheaper  for  them  than  if  they  paid  the  regular  pension,  and  the 
house  will  not  lose  so  much 

"  I  translated  into  French  your  letter  to  your  Meathians.  . 
.  .  .  .  I  gave  it  to  our  Superieur  Majieur,  who  was  highly 
pleased  with  it,  even  in  the  translation. 

"  The  States-General  are  soon  to  be  assembled.  They  will 
decide  the  contest  that  exists  between  the  king  and  his  Parlia- 
ment. They  will  reform  some  abuses,  and  put  an  end  to  the 
arbitrary  disposal  of  the  finances  of  the  State.  They  will  then 
be  on  a  better  footing.  The  public  credit  will  be  more  firmly 
established,  and,  I  am  confident,  the  funds  will  rise  wonder- 
fully immediately  on  the  assembling  of  the  States.  The  pru- 
dent speculators  are  now  buying  up  papers.  Effects  could  be 
purchased  for  you  at  this  present  moment,  at  a  very  reasonable 
price,  which  necessarily  in  some  months  will  be  high. 

"  We  are  now  in  the  midst  of  our  university  compositions. 
"We  have  some  hopes,  but  how  often  have  we  not  seen  as  fair 
hopes  disappointed.  Their  new  regulations  about  the  ages  do  us 
a  great  deal  of  harm. 

"  With  every  sentiment  of  attachment  and  respect,  and  the 
most  ardent  and  sincere  wishes  for  your  health  and  happiness, 
"  I  am,  my  Lord  and  best  of  friends, 
"  Affectionately  yours, 

"  C.  KEARNEY." 

On  the  25th  of  November,  1788,  Dr.  Butler  writes  from 
Dublin  :— 

"  MY  EVER  DEAR  AND  MOST  HONOURED  LORD, 

"  However  hurried  I  feel  myself,  being  on  the  eve  of  my 
departure  from  Dublin,  I  cannot  still  but  seize  a  moment  of 
transient  and  uncertain  leisure,  which  is  all  I  can  command, 
to  assure  your  Lordship  of  the  singular  pleasure  it  gave  me, 


THE  BISHOPS   OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET.  129 

from  my  apprehensions  on  account  of  your  too  long  continued 
silence  of  having  forfeited  the  share  I  once  had  in  your 
remembrance,  to  find  by  your  letter  to  our  mutual  worthy 
friend,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Betagh,  that  your  regard  and  friendship 
for  me  are  as  alive  as  ever ;  and  nothing  can  be  a  more  feeling 
proof  of  my  sincerity  in  saying  this  than  my  uneasiness  at  the 
thought  of  its  being  otherwise.  I  am  happy  to  have  this 
opportunity  of  letting  your  Lordship  know  that  the  four  arch- 
bishops entirely  coincided  with  your  Lordship  in  the  thoughts 
your  excellent,  well-judged,  and  pointed  letter  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Smith  conveyed,  of  the  dangerous  consequences  that  would 
naturally  follow  from  the  publication  of  his  pamphlet*  on  the 
mission  in  America.  I  shall  be  happy  to  hear  from  your  Lord- 
ship that  you  enjoy  as  good  health  as  I  wish  you,  and  that  you 
are  sensible  how  sincerely 

"  I  am,  my  ever  dear  and  most  honoured  Lord, 
"  Your  most  affectionate  servant, 

"  JAMES  BUTLER. 
"P.S. — I  return  to  Thurles  on-  Thursday  next." 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

LETTERS  FROM   THE   ARCHBISHOP  OF   CASHEL. — FROM   THE 
ABBE   FLOOD. — CIRCULAR    TO   THE  PRIESTS  OF  MEATH. 

On  the  13th  of  January,  1789,  Dr.  Butler  writes  from 
Thurles  :— 

"  MY  DEAR  AND  MOST  HONOURED  LORD, 

"As  the  hurry  of  business  which  the  solemnity  of 
Christmas  brings  on  persons  in  our  station  is  now  partly  well 
over,  I  profit  of  the  respite  to  acknowledge  your  last  most 
acceptable  letter,  and  to  assure  your  Lordship  of  the  most 
sincere  and  most  affectionate  wishes  I  form  for  your  temporal  - 


*  This  pamphlet  is  iu  iny  possession.  Smith  was  one  of  those  discon- 
tented characters  who  never  can  agree  with  anyone.  He  fell  out  with  hi* 
friend  and  benefactor,  1  >r.  Plunket  ;  and  he  fell  out,  too,  with  Dr.  Carroll . 
his  bishop,  on  the  American  mission.  When  he  became  pastor  of  Castle- 
pollard,  he  fell  out,  too,  with  nis  curate,  and  wrote  bitterly  against  him. 

K 


130  THE   BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DR.    PLUNKET. 

and  eternal  happiness.  Your  very  good-natured  letter  ac- 
quitted you  in  my  eyes  of  every  charge  of  neglect,  and  gives 
me  every  reason  to  indulge  myself  with  the  hopes  that  our 
correspondence  for  the  future  will  meet  with  no  interruption. 
Your  kind  sentiments  on  the  death  of  one  brother  and  the 
happy  marriage  of  another,  are  pleasing  proofs  of  the  share  you 
take  in  what  interests  my  feelings.  I  have  every  reason  to 
think  it  will  answer  your  wishes  and  contribute  to  support  and 
propagate  religion  in  that  part  of  the  kingdom. 

"  I  quite  agree  with  your  Lordship  that  the  meeting  of  the 
four  metropolitans  in  Dublin,  which  was  a  very  friendly,  or 
rather  brotherly  one,  and  I  hope  useful,  would  not  have  been 
less  dignified  and  important  had  the  suffragans  from  the  dif- 
ferent provinces  been  invited  to  attend.  I  never  heard  they 
had  been  excluded,  and  I  know  one  who  assisted  pretty  con- 
stantly at  our  deliberations,  Dr.  Cruise,  Bishop  of  Ardagh.  I 
can't  tell  you  what  a  pleasure  it  would  have  been  to  me  to 
have  met  your  Lordship  there,  but  it  wTas  too  great  a  happiness 
for  me  to  enjoy.  However,  I  trust  in  God,  by  the  time  of  our 
next  meeting,  you  will  have'  relinquished  these  anachoretic 
ideas  of  keeping  retired  always  in  your  own  diocese.  Your 
zeal  would  be  too  circumscribed  were  it  confined  to  the  same 
limits  as  your  episcopal  jurisdiction,  and  Dublin  itself,  I  assure 
you,  will  benefit  by  your  expanding  yours. 

"  I  am  quite  of  your  Lordship's  opinion  with  regard  to  Mr. 
Berrington's  elementary  instructions  for  the  Sunday  schools 
in  England.  I  always  disapprove  of  exotic  and  eccentric 
notions  with  regard  to  religion  ;  novelty  there  is  always 
dangerous. 

"  Has  your  Lordship  seen  Griffith's  Miscellaneous  Works  ?  I 
admire  them  greatly,  and  if  you  have  not  them,  I  recommend 
"  you  to  purchase  them.  I  am  also  exceedingly  taken  with  your 
Lordship's  diocesan,  Dr.  Sheridan's  tracts  ....  they 
are  very  valuable.  I  am  giving  a  new  edition  of  my  catechism, 
with  some  alterations  and  additions,  which  I  am  convinced 
will  please  you  .  .  .  . 

"  I  hear  much  said  of  the  virtue  of  the  waters  of  Kilbrew,  on 
Mr.  Gorges'  estate,  for  the  asthma,  jaundice,  and  dropsy.  I 
would  be  happy  to  know  from  your  Lordship  if  they  be  so 
efficacious  as  it  is  reported  they  are.  I  am  told  they  lose 
nothing  of  their  good  quality  by  being  transported — that  they 
retain  it  a  long  time. 


THE  BISHOPS   OF   MEATH—  DR.   PLUNKET.  131 

"  What  news  about  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smyth  and  his  ill-timed 
pamphlet  1 

"  Adieu,  my  ever  dear  and  most  honoured  Lord,  no  one  can 
have  more  real  esteem  and  love  for  you  than 

"  Your  ever  devoted  and  most  affectionate  servant, 

"JAMES  BUTLER." 

On  the  24th  of  July,  1789,  Dr.  Butler  writes  again 
from  Thurles : — 

"  You  have  heard  before  this  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Lanigan  has 
been  appointed,  on  the  25th  of  last  June,  Bishop  of  Ossory, 
notwithstanding  the  strong  postulation  sent  to  Rome  in  favour 
of  the  Rev.  Father  O'Connor,  and  subscribed  to  by  three 
metropolitans,  Armagh,  Dublin,  and  Tuam,  and,  I  may  say,  by 
the  four,  as  my  name,  I  find,  by  what  my  agent  writes  to  me, 
was  also  affixed  to  it,  not  only  without  my  consent,  but  with 
my  express  and  strongest  opposition  to  it.  Several  other 
bishops,  I  am  told,  had  joined  in  the  demand ;  nay,  the 
Queen  of  Portugal,  and  Mr.  Fitzherbert,  the  late  secretary, 
were  gained  over  to  second  the  cause.  Such  a  push  in  favour 
of  a  Friar,  had  it  succeeded,  would  have  severely  wounded  not 
only  our  hierarchy,  the  authority  and  influence  of  our  secular 
clergy,  but  would  have  also  furnished  our  enemies,  when  any- 
thing would  be  proposed  in  our  favour  in  Parliament,  with 
powerful  arguments  to  oppose  it.  Thanks  to  God,  his  Provi- 
dence has  most  seasonably  prevented  the  evil,  and  I  am  the 
more  happy  at  it.  as  I  am  confident  it  was  on  account  of  what 
I  wrote  last  May  to  Cardinal  Atitonelli,  and  to  my  agent,  of  the 
fatal  consequences  that  might  ensue  to  religion  from  Rome's 
naming  those  in  preference  to  the  vacant  sees  of  this  kingdom, 
who  are  the  most  obnoxious  to  Government.  Your  Lordship 
remembers  how  near  we  were  to  seeing  the  nomination  of  the 
K.  C.  Bishops  of  Ireland  pass  into  the  hands  of  the  King,  and 
can't  but  feel  with  me  the  imprudence  of  taking  a  step  which 
could  recall  an  event,  we  had,  at  the  time  I  allude  to,  such  diffi- 
culty to  ward  off,  Dr.  Troy's  and  the  Friars'  interest,  Mr. 
Bodkin,  my  agent,  writes  to  me,  begins  to  decline  very  fast. 
He  recommends  to  all  the  secular  bishops  to  link  and  draw 
together.  Would  to  God  they  could  be  prevailed  upon  to  do 
so,  and  have  one  common  secular  agent.  T  would,  then,  do  all 
in  my  power  to  have  the  choice  fixed  on  Mr., Bodkin  as  the 


132  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNK  ET. 

most  proper  person  of  all  for  such  an  appointment.  He  is 
knowing ;  lias  long  experience  in  that  line  ;  is  high  in  favour 
with  some  of  the  principal  nobility  in  Rome,  and  very  much 
in  Antonelli's  good  graces  ;  he  is,  besides,  most  active  and 
attentive  to  get  the  first  news  of  what  regards  this  country, 
mid  to  despatch  it.  I  had  the  earliest  intelligence  of  Dr. 
Lanigan's  nomination  on  that  account.  Has  the  weather  per- 
mitted your  Lordship  to  venture  on  your  visitation  ?  Ever 
since  I  returned  from  Dublin  I  have  not  had  a  day  free  from 
rain.  We  have  had  public  prayers  for  good  weather.  There 
is  every  danger  of  a  scarcity  of  provisions  unless  an  all-merciful 
God  be  moved  to  withdraw  the  scourge  from  us  and  send  us 
seasonable  weather.  I  long  for  the  time  you'll  repay  my  late 
visit  to  Navan.  Tell  me  when  I  may  look  out  to  it.  It  will 
be  no  small  comfort  to  me  to  see  it  approach.  In  the  mean- 
time receive  the  sincere  assurances  of  all  that  is  most  kind 
from,  my  ever  most  dear  and  honoured  Lord, 

"  Your  most  affectionate  and  devoted  servant, 

"JAMES  BUTLER." 

On  the  7th  of  July,  1789,  the  Rev.  Abbe  Flood  writes 
from   Paris  : — 

"  MY  LORD  AND  WORTHY  FRIEND, 

"The  bearer,  Mr.  O'Ferrall,  has  the  honour  of  being 
already  personally  known  to  your  Lordship.  After  having 
.finished  his  course  of  philosophy  in  Old  Lombaid,  he  removed 
to  the  Seminary  of  Laon,  where  he  completed  his  theological 
studies.  He  never  lost  sight  of  the  errand  on  which  he  came  ; 
he  has,  I  am  satisfied,  profited  by  every  opportunity  of  im- 
provement which  offered  in  that  nursery  of  piety  and  science. 
•  He  carries  with  him  the  best  wishes  of  his  superiors  and  fellow- 
subjects,  and  his  conduct,  as  I  could  have  learned,  has  been 
hitherto  exemplary  and  irreproachable.  The  only  defect  I  can 
reproach  him  with  is,  if  it  can  be  counted  one,  that  of  having 
too  delicate  a  sense  of  duty,  bordering  closely  on  scrupulosity  ; 
but  I  am  informed  the  Irish  air  is  a  sovereign  antidote  against 
this  foreign  vice.  JTis,  then,  to  be  hoped  that  a  few  months 
intercourse  with  his  brethren  there  will  totally  make  it  away. 
Give  me  leave  to  bespeak  in  his  favour  your  Lordship's  kind 
countenance  and  protection.  As  he  is  no  stranger  to  the  pre- 
sent state  of  political  affairs  in  this  capital,  and  as  it  would  not, 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  133 

very  probably,  be  safe  to  consign  it  to  paper,  I  must  refer  you 
to  him  for  every  information  on  that  head. 

"  Doctor  Walsh  tells  me  that  he  has  long  since  informed  you 
of  my  having  paid  fifty  guineas  to  your  account.  Your  nephew 
is  making  a  rapid  progress,  and  will,  I  hope,  distinguish  him- 
self in  his  studies.  I  have  drawn  on  you  some  time  ago, 
pursuant  to  advice,  for  twelve  guineas  ;  favour  Molly  Segrave, 
and  hope  you  have  accepted  of  the  bill. 

"  I  shall  write  to  you  more  at  large  before  the  1st  of  August 
next,  and  am,  as  I  then  and  always  shall  be,  with  the  greatest 
respect,  my  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  obliged  humble  servant, 

"ABBE  FLOOD. 

"  P.S. — Mr.  Cruise,  in  the  community,  is  in  the  most  (fistressed 
and  wretched  situation.  For  God's  sake  engage  my  friend, 
Mr.  Flood,  of  Kells,  to  whom  my  best  wishes,  to  do  something 
for  him  without  delay.  Mr.  Ferrall  will  hand  you  twenty- 
three  numbers  of  Mercure  de  France  relative  to  the  present 
affairs.  Mille  amities  a  Peter  Reilly." 

On  the  approach  of  Lent,  1789,  Dr.  Plunket  forwarded 
the  following  circular  to  the  clergy  of  the  diocese  : — 

"  Leave  is  granted  to  eat  eggs  in  the  diocese  of  Meath  at  the 
one  meal  each  day,  Fridays  excepted,  from  the  first  Sunday  of 
the  ensuing  Lent  to  Palm  Sunday  inclusively. 

"  We  conjure  the  rev.  pastors,  our  brethren,  to  exert  the 
mo^t  zealous  endeavours  in  disposing  the  faithful  to  enter  into 
the  views  of  the  Church,  and  to  correspond  with  the  grace  of 
our  most  merciful  God  during  this  penitential  time.  We  are 
confident  they  will  not  neglect  the  opportunity  of  communi- 
cating, by  pertinent  and  well-adapted  instruction,  just  and  pro- 
per notions  of  the  solemn  annual  fast  of  forty  days.  The  ex- 
terior fast  will  be  distinguished  from  that  which  is  interior ; 
and  while  both  are  enforced,  the  latter  will  be  insisted  upon, 
with  an  energy  expressive  of  its  superior  importance.  Pastoral 
solicitude  will  not  suffer  any  R.  Catholic  desirous  of  informa- 
tion to  remain  unacquainted  with  the  ends  of  the  institution  of 
Lent,  with  its  obligations,  with  the  inestimable  advantages  offered 
to  all  who  punctually  comply  with  the  duties  it  prescribes.  In 


134  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLCTNKET. 

this  acceptable  time,  in  these  days  of  salvation,  fasting,  prayer, 
and  almsdeeds  will  go  hand  in  hand  to  appease  the  wrath  of 
heaven,  to  atone  for  the  guilt  of  sin,  and  to  secure  a  perfect 
reconciliation  with  the  Almighty.  It  has  been  usual  hitherto 
to  compensate  by  charity  to  the  poor  for  the  indulgence  shewn 
by  the  Church  curing  Lent.  Would  it  not  be  a  pity  to  inter- 
rupt a  custom  profitable  to  the  rich  and  to  the  poor  1  We  there- 
fore request  that  a  collection  be  made  in  each  parish  of  the  dio- 
cese before  Easter  for  the  relief  of  the  afflicted  members  of  Jesus 
Christ. 

"  This  mandate  is  to  be  read  at  each  altar  in  the  diocese. 

"  ifc  P.  J.  PLUNKET. 

"Navan,  21st  Feb.,  1789." 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

LETTER  OF   DR.    PLUNK  ET    TO    REV.  VALENTINE    BODKIN. 

THE  REPORT  TO  ROME. — LETTERS  OF  REV.  VALENTINE 
BODKIN. —  LETTERS  FROM  DR.  BUTLER. — FROM  REV.  MR. 
WALSH. 

THE  decennial  report*  of  the  state  of  religion  in  the  dio- 
cese of  Meath,  which  Dr.  Plunket  forwarded  to  Rome, 
early  in  1790,  and  which  elicited  the  most  complimentary 
remarks  from  Cardinal  Antonelli,  was  accompanied  by  the 
following  note  to  Rev.  Valentine  Bodkin,  the  Roman 
agent : — 

"Navan,  24th  January,  1790. 

"  VERY  REV.  AND  DEAR  SIR, 

'•  Enclosed  I  send  you,  in  my  own  handwriting,  the  Report 
I  make  to  the  Holy  See  of  the  State  of  the  Diocese  of  Meath 
during  the  last  ten  years.  In  the  preamble  of  this  Report  you 
will  see  for  what  purpose  I  have  appointed  you  to  represent  me 
at  Rome.  I  request  you  will,  accordingly,  perform,  in  my 
name,  the  duty  which  I  there  describe,  presenting  the  Report 
to  his  Eminence  Cardinal  Antonelli,  whose  directions  relative 
thereto  you  will  please  to  ask  and  receive,  with  a  view  to  com- 

*  See  vol.  ii.  Diocese  of  Meath,  p.  227. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  135 

municate  them  to  me  in  clue  time.  I  need  not  observe  that 
the  nature  of  this  commission  requires  you  should  be  acquainted 
with  the  contents  of  the  Report,  and  keep  them  secret,  except 
from  the  Holy  See.  I  apprize  Cardinal  Antonelli,  by  letter, 
this  day,  that  you  will  have  the  honour  of  delivering  it  forth- 
with into  his  hands.  Every  other  business,  connected  with 
Rome,  I  transact  immediately  with  the  Nuncio,  when  there  is 
one  in  the  Low  Countries,  or  with  the  Cardinal  Prefect  of  the 
Sacred  Congregation.  The  present  business  renders  a  repre- 
sentative necessary,  and  I  am  happy  to  be  represented  by  a 
gentleman  for  whom  my  most  honoured  friend,  the  Archbishop 
of  Cashel,  entertains  so  particular  an  esteem. 

"  For  your  trouble  and  expense  on  this  occasion  I  shall  with 
pleasure  be  accountable  to  you,  as  those  of  my  colleagues  of  the 
province  of  Armagh  are,  whom  you  represent,  in  similar  cir- 
cumstances. To  discharge  the  obligation  I  only  wait  to  be  pro- 
perly informed  by  yourself.  I  am,  in  the  meantime,  with  sen- 
timents of  affectionate  regards  and  esteem,  very  rev.  and  dear 
sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and  veiy  humble  servant, 

"  *  P.  J.  PLUNKET." 

As  to  the  Report  itself,  of  which  Dr.  Plunk et  kept  a  copy, 
we  have  unfortunately  only  a  portion  remaining.  It  is 
written  in  very  elegant  Latin, in  Dr.  Plunket's  handwriting, 
and  is  every  way  worthy  of  that  great  prelate's  skilful  and 
accomplished  pen.  In  the  preamble  he  regrets  that  distance 
from  Rome  and  the  poverty  of  his  diocese  impede  his  visit 
ad  limina  Apostolorum,  and  prevent  him,  in  person,  from 
exhibiting  his  filial  obedience  to  Pope  Pius  the  Sixth,  the 
successor  of  St.  Peter,  as  well  as  manifesting  his  profound 
respect  for  the  Apostolic  See.  Under  these  unavoidable 
circumstances,  he  constitutes  the  Very  Rev.  Valentine 
Bodkin  his  procurator  and  representative,  and  hopes  the 
•Sacred  Congregation  will  kindly  receive  from  him  the  fol- 
lowing Relatio  of  the  State  of  his  Diocese : — 

The  first  chapter  treats  on  De  status  Midensis  ecclesicu 
materiali, 

He  commences  by  enumerating  the  ancient  episcopal 
sees  of  Meath,  their  gradual  absorption  into  one,  &c.,  and 


136  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNK  ET. 

quotes  Ware,  Colgan,  and  the  Hibernia  Dominicana.  He 
next  defines  the  situation  of  the  diocese,  its  extent,  the 
conterminous  dioceses  by  which  it  is  encompassed,  and  re- 
marks that  all  our  ancient  monasteries  and  churches  were 
taken  from  us  at  the  time  of  the  so-called  .Reformation, 
and  are  at  present  either  hopelessly  ruined  or  occupied  by 
Protestants.  This  leads  him  to  account  for  the  Catholics 
of  Ireland  calling  their  churches  chapels  (sacella),  which 
were  humble,  unpretending  edifices,  constructed  by  stealth, 
and  frequented  by  connivance.  He  represents  his  own 
chapel,  or  cathedral,  at  Navan,  as  superior  to  any  in  the 
diocese,  as  it  has  been  lately  repaired  and  ornamented,  and 
gives  the  number  of  parochial  churches,*  or  chapels,  to  be 
135,  of  which,  since  his  consecration,  in  1779,  30  have 
been  rebuilt,  and  42  enlarged  or  repaired.  There  were 
then  three  monasteries  of  men  in  the  diocese,  two  of  the 
Franciscan  order,  containing  eleven  Friars,  and  one  of  the 
Dominican,  sheltering  six  fathers  of  the  order.  No 
Catholic  college,  or  seminary  would  be  tolerated  by  the 
Government,  however,  the  Catholics,  in  their  poverty, 
contrived  to  erect  240  private  schools,  which  were  scat- 
tered over  the  diocese,  in  which  the  youth  received  a 
secular  education,  and  were  thoroughly  ground  in  the 
Christian  doctrine. 

To  supply  the  place  of  hospitals,  orphanages,  and  the 
like,  an  annual  collection  was  made  in  every  parish  of  the 
diocese,  and  the  funds  were  judiciously  distributed  amongst 
the  poor  and  the  afflicted. 

The  second  chapter  treats  De  ipso  Episcopo.  He  states 
that  he  performs  the  visitation  of  his  diocese  annually,  and 
that  he  had  recently  returned  from  his  tenth  general  visi- 
tation ;  that  the  bishops  of  the  province  of  Armagh  meet 
together  once  a  year,  for  the  purpose  of  advancing  the 
cause  of  religion,  and  that  he  was  absent  through  sickness 
on  one  occasion,  since  1779  ;  that  he  preached  every  Sun- 


*  In  a  list  of  the  clergy  of  Meath,  drawn  up  by  Dr.  Plunket,  in  1789, 
the  parish  chapels  are  enumerated  as  135,  attended  by  (>5  parish  priests 
and  20  curates. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  137 

day  and  festival-day  as  well  as  at  visitations,  &c.  He 
laments  his  own  unworthiness,  his  innumerable  negli- 
gences, and  his  ignorance,  and  expresses  his  fears  of  being 
eternally  lost. 

The  third  chapter  treats  De  Clero  Sceculari.  He  reports 
that  he  has  paid  special  attention  to  his  own  chapel  in 
Navan,  in  order  that  an  example  might  be  given  to  the 
diocese;  that,  accordingly,  daily  Mass  is  celebrated,  the 
sacraments  administered,  and  instructions  regularly  given. 
Vespers,  accompanied  by  the  singing  of  hymns,  had  been 
recently  introduced,  which  moved  the  people  to  tears — 
flevimus  dum  recordaretur  Sion — as  singing  and  music, 
as  well  as  the  splendour  of  public  worship,  had  been 
banished  from  the  Catholic  churches  of  Ireland,  by  the  so- 
called  Reformation. 

He  reports,  too,  that  sermons  are  given  in  every  chapel 
of  the  diocese,  on  Sundays  and  festivals,  and  the  cathe- 
chism  regularly  taught — that  theological  conferences  are 
held  once  every  month,  from  April  'till  October  inclusively, 
and  that  a  sermon  is  always  preached  by  one  of  the  clergy 
on  these  occasions.  He  concludes  this  chapter  by  inform- 
ing the  Sacred  Congregation  that  many  of  the  pastors  of 
the  diocese  of  Meath  are  so  conspicuous  for  prudence, 
piety,  zeal,  and  every  other  ecclesiastical  virtue,  that  they 
are  hailed  as  true  ministers  of  Christ,  and  dispensers  of  the 
mysteries  of  God,  not  only  by  Catholics,  but  also  by  many 
Protestants,  who  are  spectators  of  their  lives. 

The  fourth  chapter  treats  of  the  religious  orders  in  the 
diocese,  De  llegularibus.  There  are  some  of  the  Friars  not 
living  in  their  monasteries, but  officiatingas  either  chaplains 
to  respectable  families,  or  assistants  to  the  parish  priests. 
After  alluding  to  some  abuses  which  had  taken  place,  he 
concludes  that,  on  the  whole,  they  discharge  their  duties 
faithfully,  and  that  he  throws  no  obstacles  in  their  way. 

In  chapter  the  fifth  he  says  that  there  are  no  nuns  in 
the  diocese  of  Meath. 

In  chapter  the  sixth,  De  Semin«,rio,  he  states  that  there 
are  no  Catholic  seminaries  in  Ireland,  as  the  penal  laws, 
still  in  operation,  prohibit  such,  and  hence  that  the  youth 


138  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

intended  for  the  priesthood,  after  acquiring  the  rudiments 
of  learning  at  home,  are  obliged  to  travel  to  Catholic 
countries  to  acquire  the  necessary  knowledge  abroad.  He 
reports  that  there  was  a  remarkable  school  in  Dublin,  pre- 
sided over  by  two  secular  priests,  who  had  belonged  to  the 
Jesuit  order,  before  its  suppression,  and  that  it  had  given 
such  satisfaction,  that  he  adopted  it  as  a  seminary  for  the 
diocese  of  Meath.  To  this  school  the  young  men  intended 
for  the  priesthood  are  sent  for  their  elementary  education, 
after  which  they  are  sent  off  to  the  colleges  of  the  con- 
tinent. He  concludes  the  chapter  by  an  eloquent  pane- 
gyric on  the  two  ex- Jesuits,  one  of  whom,  he  notes,  was 
born  in  Meath  ;  and  he  adds  that  they  are  men  renowned 
for  piety  and  learning,  and  indefatigable  in  preaching  the 
word  of  God,  and  advancing  the  interests  of  religion. 

Chapter  the  seventh  treats  De  Ecclesiis,  Confraternita- 
tibus,  et  locis  piis.  There  were  no  confraternities,  foun- 
dation masses,  or  sanctuaries,  properly  so  called,  in  the 
diocese.  Masses  are  celebrated  according  as  the  faithful 
apply  for  them.  If  the  chapels  are  to  be  repaired  or  re- 
built, the  poor  relieved,  or  the  orphan  protected  and  in- 
structed, recourse  must  be  had  to  the  never-failing  gene- 
rosity of  the  Irish  people.  The  hospitals  are  in  the  hands 
of  Protestants,  but  the  Catholic  clergy  get  admission  and 
administer  the  sacraments  to  Catholic  patients. 

Chapter  the  eighth  treats  De  Populo.  There  were  about 
130,000  Catholics  in  the  diocese,  heart  and  soul  devoted 
to  the  See  of  Peter  ;  and,  although  every  artifice  had  been 
adopted  to  sap  their  faith,  yet  their  enemy  laboured  in 
vain.  A  few,  however,  too  closely  imitated  the  depraved 
morals  and  undisciplined  lives  of  some  of  the  heretics,  and 
this  looseness  paved  the  way  for  the  admission  of  Deistical 
principles  which  had  crept  in  and  infected  them. 

As  the  penal  laws  had  so  long  forbidden  the  exercise  of 
the  Catholic  religion,  and  as  the  children  of  the  faith  wrere 
obliged  to  worship  by  stealth,  it  followed  t> at  the  majesty 
of  public  worship,  the  external  glory  of  religion,  necessarily 
declined  and  had  to  be  discontinued.  Hence  the  splendour 
and  beauty  of  God's  house,  the  magnificence  of  the  august 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET.  139 

ceremonies  of  the  Church,  so  calculated  to  raise  the  heart 
from  earth  to  heaven,  and  to  stimuJate  to  piety  and  reve- 
rence, no  longer  speaking  to  the  heart,  the  worship  of  God, 
in  spiiit  and  truth,  declined  in  the  same  proportion.  Since 
the  passing  of  the  Catholic  Bill,  in  1782,  the  clergy  of 
Meath  have  applied  with  all  their  energy  to  revive,  as 
far  as  can  be,  the  splendour  of  public  worship,  and  hence 
so  many  chapels  have  of  late  been  rebuilt  or  renewed 
throughout  the  diocese. 


On   the    13th   of    March,    1790,   the    Rev.    Valentine 
Bodkin,  Dr.  Plunket's  agent,  writes  to  him  from  Rome  : — 

"  MOST  REV.  SIR, 

"  Your  Lordship's  favour  of  January  the  24th,  came  to 
hand  only  on  February  the  27th,  owing,  I  suppose,  to  some 
delay  in  Flanders,  on  account  of  the  late  revolution  there. 
Words  fail  me  on  the  present  occasion,  so  that  1  shall  not  even 
attempt  explaining  to  you  how  strong  my  impressions  or 
commotions  of  unexpected  agreeable  surprise,  as  well  as  of  real 
pleasure  and  satisfaction,  such  as  I  felt,  and  still  feel,  in  the 
most  lively  manner,  on  the  receipt  and  perusal  of  your  polite 
and  obliging  letter.  How  great  my  comfort  and  how  very 
flattering  the  consolation  which  I  experience,  after  nine  or 
ten  years'  expectation,  for  a  circumstance  so  ardently  wished 
for  by  me.  .  .  .  Whilst  my  esteem  is  now  heightened  for 
your  Lordship  by  the  present  favour,  your  obliging  letter,  re.st 
assured  it  shall  at  all  times  be  my  study  to  merit  your 
by  an  honourable  line  of  conduct  in  the  strictest  sense  of  the 
word,  by  diligence,  assiduity,  expedition  and  secrecy  in  trans- 
acting any  business  you  may  be  pleased  to  entrust  me  with. 
Enclosed  you  have  Cardinal  Antonelli's  answer  to  your  last. 
When  I  handed  '  The  State  of  your  Diocese  '  to  his  Eminence, 
he  remarked  to  me  that  in  juramento  pro  IJibernis,  he  shall  get 
inserted  in  future  Sancfce  Con.gi-egat-ion.is  de  Ptopaganda  Fi>fe, 
instead  of  Concilii.  In  due  time  you'll  have  a  fuller  and  longer 
answer  from  the  Congregation  to  your  J-felutio,  which,  I  may 
take  on  to  say,  does  you  infinite  credit.  The  visi*.  I  made  for 
you  on  St.  Gregory's  day,  yesterday,  and  celebrated  Mass  at 
the  shrines  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  took  the  usual  certificate,  &c.; 


140  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

expenses  of  which  in  all  amout  to  fifteen  Pauls,  or  7s.  6d. 
Irish. 

"  I  am  highly  sensible  of  his  Grace  of  Cashel's,  Dr.  Butler's, 
kindness  and  partiality  for  me.  My  obligations  are  redoubled, 
whilst  I  need  not,  I  cannot,  tell  you  how  proud,  how  happy  I 
was  and  am  at  being  your  agent  and  representative  on  the 
occasion.  I  studied  here  in  Rome  formerly,  and  took  out  my 
degrees  at  the  university  here,  the  Sapientia,  in  theology,  civil 
ai.d  canon  law.  My  correspondent  in  Dublin  is  Mr.  Francis 
French  of  George's  hill,  who  will  at  all  times  receive  any 
your  commands  or  commission  for  me.  The  same  he  does  for 
me  respecting  your  confreres  of  Armagh,  Dr.  Butler  of  Oashel, 
and  such  others  as  employ  me.  Your  address  to  me  was  per- 
fectly right.  My  situation  here  as  agent  can  never  be  the 
most  phasing  or  flattering,  owing  to  the  clashing  of  interest, 
the  cabals  and  intrigues  of  some  of  the  Regulars,  the  little 
union  either  at  home  or  abroad,  the  want  of  public  spirit  and 
of  firmness  amongst  the  secular  clergy,  and  amongst  many  of 
our  secular  prelates  too.  Should  people  think  it  my  option  or 
interest  in  having  remained  here  so  long  they  are  much  mis- 
taken. Few  priests  in  Ireland  have,  or  have  left  a  more  com- 
fortable home  than  I,  out  of  no  other  view  than  that  of  serving 
my  country,  religion,  the  hierarchy,  and  my  brethren  of  the 
secular  clergy.  I  have  a  little  independence  of  my  own.  .  . 

"  Now  as  to  news.  The  Pope  continues  stout  and  well, 
notwithstanding  the  many  disagreeable  affairs  he  has  on  hands. 

"On  the  1st  instant  the  Grand  Duke  of  Tuscany  set  out  for 
Vienna,  to  succeed  his  brother  in  the  hereditary  dominions. 
Before  his  departure  from  Tuscany,  by  an  edict,  he  abolished 
all  the  particular  holidays,  except  Sundays,  Christmas  Day, 
Ascension.  He  also  suppressed  an  abbey,  so  that  little  is  to 
be  expected  from  him ;  not  better,  but  much  worse,  by  all 
accounts,  than  his  deceased  brother.  As  to  the  States  of 
France.  I  cannot  see  where  they'll  stop,  so  precipitate  and  in- 
fatuated they  seem  to  be. 

"  Never  was  known  nor  heard  of  so  fine,  so  mild  a  winter 
and  season  as  we  have  had  of  it  here  since  last  ( October.  I 
could  wish  it  were  the  case  with  you  in  Ireland,  where  last 
year's  harvest  was.  I  understand,  very  bad.  You  have  in  your 
diocese  one  Mr.  Patrick  Ferrall,  pastor  of  Castletown-delvin, 
ray  old  collegian  ?nd  fellow-traveller.  If  alive,  I  pray  my 
most  affectionate  compliments  to  him.  He  is  a  worthy  clergy- 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  141 

man,  I  am  confident,  and  worthy,  therefore,  of  your  esteem  and 
regards.  I  have  been  often  at  Navan  in  1775,  and  am  not  un- 
acquainted with  many  parts  of  your  diocese.  Pray  is  one 
Father  Tipper,  a  Franciscan  and  a  pastor  of  your  diocese,  alive 
yet  ?  I  pray  to  be  remembered  to  him,  as  also  to  Mr.  Moore. 
I  saw  a  subject  of  yours  here  last  year  with  Mr  Ferral  Caddie, 
a  very  dressy,  conceited  gentleman,  who  spent  most  of  his  time 
with  the  Irish  Dominicans  here.  Mr.  Caddie,  whose  brother 
is  married  to  my  relative,  complained  to  me  repeatedly  that  he 
would  not  shew  him  the  way  to  my  lodging. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be  your  Lordship's  most  affectionate, 
devoted,  obliged,  humble,  and  devoted  servant, 

"  VALENTINE  BODKIN." 

On  the  26th  of  June,  1790,  Rev.  Mr.  Bodkin  writes  again 
from  Rome  to  Dr.  Plunket : — 

"  MOST  REV.   DEAR  SlR, 

"  On  the  13th  of  March  last  I  did  myself  the  honour  of 
acknowledging  the  receipt  of  your  Lordship  letter  to  me,  en- 
closing to  you,  at  the  same  time,  a  letter  from  the  Congregation, 
both  of  which,  I  make  no  doubt,  you  received  in  due  course.  1 
now  forward  to  you  the  answer  from  the  Congregation  to  the 
state  of  your  diocese.  I  took  the  earliest  opportunity  of  signify- 
ing to  his  Grace  of  Cashel  the  honour  you  have  been  pleased 
to  confer  on  me,  expressive  of  my  warmest  thanks  and  due  feel- 
ings on  the  occasion.  Since  I  wrote  to  you  last  nothing  very 
particular  or  worth  mentioning  to  you  beyond  what  the  public 
papers  afford.  The  spirit  of  revolution  or  of  revolt,  as  mani- 
fested in  France,  seems  to  be  of  an  epidemical  nature,  and 
catching,  for  it  has  manifested  itself  lately  in  Savoy,  where  the 
Court  very  ably  exerted  itself,  stifled  it  at  once,  and  discovered 
it  was  either  solely  or  chiefly  owing  to  the  French  emigrants. 
From  thence  it  has  reached  Tuscany,  where  a  deal  of  blood  has 
been  shed.  But  it  must  be  owned  it  arose  here  from  a  different 
cause.  Innovations  in  religious  matters,  with  many  other  such 
like  oppressions,  real  or  ideal,  brought  about,  enacted,  or  abetted 
by  the  Grand  Duke,  now  King  of  Bohemia,  gave  rise  to  those 
disturbances  of  a  very  serious  kind,  and  which  still  threaten 
and  forbode  something  more  serious,  unless  their  grievances  be 
relieved  and  everything  put  on  the  former  footing.  The  Presi- 
dent of  the  .Regency  has  been  obliged  to  fly;  and  Avignon  is  in 
open  revolt  against  the  Pope.  On  the  12th  instant  great 


142  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

carnage  ensued,  and  five  were  hung  by  the  populace ;  one 
of  whom  was  a  dignified  or  beneficed  clergyman,  Avho  fre- 
quently opposed  the  rabble.  The  Papal  territories  are  not 
free  from  disturbances,  and  many  serious  remonstrances,  with 
even  menaces,  have  been  handed  to  the  Pope  himself.  In  a 
word,  not  a  state  in  Italy  but  is  in  alarm,  and  in  the  greatest 
apprehension.  I  pray  my  respectful  and  affectionate  com- 
pliments to  all  enquiring  friends;  to  Dr.  Cruise  of  Ardagh,  to 
Lord  and  Lady  Fingall,  and  to  Lady  Killeen.  I  remain,  with 
every  assurance  of  esteem  and  true  regards, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  affectionate,  devoted,  humble,  and 
"  Obedient  servant, 

"  VALENTINE  BODKIN." 

On  the  llth  of  January,  1790,  Dr.  Butler  writes  to  his 
friend  from  Thurles  : — 

"  MY  EVER  DEAR  AND  EVER  HONOURED  LORD, 

"The  letter  your  Lordship  favoured  me  with  last 
December  was  delivered  to  me  when  I  was  very  much  indis- 
posed, otherwise  it  should  not  have  remained  so  long  un- 
answered. You  are,  I  hope,  too  convinced  of  the  sincerity  of 
my  attachment  to  you  to  suspect  me  of  any  wilful  inattention 
to,  or  forgetfulness  of  you.  The  letter,  from  my  earnest  desire, 
as  soon  as  I  should  recover  from  my  illness  and  have  time  to 
answer  each  particular  of  it,  was  put  up  somewhere  so  carefully 
that,  as  it  has  often  happened  me,  I  cannot  recollect  where  I 
put  it.  Hence,  'till  I  find  it,  your  Lordship  cannot  expect  as 
accurate  an  answer  as  you  might  wish  to  its  contents.  You 
have  heard,  no  doubt,  before  this  of  the  result  of  our  meeting 
in  Dublin.  The  petitioning  for  the  pallium  and  an  indefinite 
power  of  dispensing  in  1°  et  2°  qradu  ajfinitatis,  &c.,  communi- 
cable by  us  to  our  suffragans,  were  the  principal  points  we  agreed 
to.  I  did  not  find  myself  at  all  well  or  in  spirits  during  the 
whole  time  I  was  in  Dublin ;  so  I  spoke  but  little  at  our  inter- 
views on  any  subject,  and  was  glad  to  terminate  them  as 
speedily  as  I  could.  I  scarce  even  paid  a  visit  in  Dublin.  Since 
my  return  I  have  been  daily  mending,  and  am  now,  thanks  to 
God,  so  well  recovered  that  I  began  last  Thursday  my  visita- 
tion, and  am  determined  to  make  them  in  winter  as  well  as  in 
summer,  which  will  be  the  less  fatiguing,  and,  moreover,  may 
empower  one  to  lay  out  the  days  so  as  not  to  interfere  with  the 
harvest  or  sowing  time,  in  which  seasons  the  people  cannot  so 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  143 

well  attend.  I  scarcely  ever  had  such  a  crowd  as  I  had  last 
Thursday  in  the  chapel,  and  I  experienced  the  same  advantage 
on  other  winter1  days  on  which  I  made  visitation.  Another 
benefit  I  find  is  that  the  heat  is  not  so  great  in  the  chapel  from 
the  crowd  as  in  the  warm  weather ;  and  hence  the  people  listen 
with  more  satisfaction  and  attention,  and  one  does  not  perceive 
oneself  so  exhausted  from  preaching.  Your  Lordship  will 
oblige  me  much  in  letting  me  know  your  sentiments  with  re- 
gard to  the  new  oath  proposed  to  the  R.  Catholics  in  England. 
I  have  received  several  letters  about  it,  and  a  pamphlet  exposing 
the  reasons  why  it  should  be  taken,  and  remonstrating  in  a 
printed  letter  to  the  four  Apostolic  Vicars  the  impropriety  of 
their  having  condemned  it,  which  they  did  in  a  printed  pastoral 
letter,  signed  by  all,  and  addressed  to  all  the  faithful  in  Eng- 
land. The  letter  to  the  four  Apostolic  Vicars  is  signed  by  six 
or  seven  of  the  R.  C.  gentlemen,  by  Dr.  Charles  Berrington, 
coadjutoi'-bishop,  and  Mr.  Wilkes,  a  Benedictine  monk.  I  am 
afraid  for  the  issue  of  such  a  disagreement.  It  must  be  very 
disedifying  to  all  well-wishers  of  religion.  For  my  part,  I  can't 
conceive  how  any  R.  C.  could  take  such  an  oath.  My  pro- 
vincial bishops  were  of  the  same  opinion  as  were  the  four  arch- 
bishops when  assembled  in  Dublin,  and  so  I  wrote  to  Dr. 
Gibson,  Vicar  Apostolic  for  the  north.  Your  Lordship  did  me 
too  much  honour  in  asking  my  portrait  in  miniature,  and  were 
it  possible  for  me  to  prevail  on  myself  to  sit  for  it,  your  Lord- 
ship's request  would  be  the  most  powerful  inducement.  As 
there  is  no  painter  here,  it  could  not  be  done  'till  I  would  go  to 
Dublin,  and  when  that  would  happen,  I  would  expect  to  meet 
your  Lordship  there  and  get  your  picture  in  return.  Adieu, 
my  ever  dear  and  most  honoured  Lord.  My  wishes  for  you  on 
the  renewal  of  the  year  are  all  that  can  be  wished  by  one  as 
sincerely  devoted  to  you  as  is 

"  Your  most  affectionate  friend, 

"  JAMES  BUTLER. 

"  P.S. — All  that  is  kind  from  me  to  your  worthy  coadjutors 
in  Navan." 

On  the  28tli  of  March,  1790,  Dr.  Butler  writes  again 
from  Thurles  : — 

"  MY  EVER  DEAR  AND  MOST  HONOURED  LORD, 

"  Though  I  have  not  leisure  enough  to  answer,  as  fully' 
as  I  would  wish,  your  very  affectionate  letter,  I  still  profit  of 


144  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

what  I  have  to  express  the  pleasure  it  gave  me,  and  to  let  your 
Lordship  know  that  as  any  request  of  a  bishop  so  deservedly 
dear  to  me  as  your  Lordship  is,  has  always  the  weight  of  a  com- 
mand with  me.  I  wrote,  as  you  desired,  to  Mr.  Murphy  of  Cadiz 
in  favour  of  young  Mr.  Dougherty,*  requesting  of  Mr.  Murphy 
either  to  receive  him  into  his  own  house  or  to  recommend  him 
to  some  worthy  merchant  of  his  acquaintance.  I  took  parti- 
cular care  to  give  him  the  character  you  wrote  to  me  of  him. 
If  I  succeed,  which  I  have  reason  to  hope,  I  shall  feel  doubly 
happy  in  having  had  an  opportunity  of  obliging  your  Lordship 
and  your  respectable  Vicar-General. 

"  I  am  quite  of  your  Lordship's  opinion  with  regard  to  the 
oath  proposed  of  late  to  the  English  E.  Catholics.  I  think 
several  parts  of  it  very  censurable,  and  the  proposition  of  the 
Church's  having  no  jurisdiction,  or  spiritual  and  ecclesiastical 
authority  whatsoever,  that  can  clash  with  the  Ecclesiastical 
Government  in  England,  seemed  to  me  to  imply  a  disavowal 
of  her  spiritual  power  over  Protestants  themselves  from  their 
baptism,  and  the  obligation  she  lies  under  of  doing  all  she  can, 
with  prudence,  to  withdraw  them  from  the  Protestant  religion. 
I  find  by  a  letter  from  Mr.  Bodkin  that  it  is  highly  disapproved 
of  in  Rome.  I  have,  since  October  last,  been  in  a  constant 
intercourse  of  letters  with  some  of  the  Apostolic  Vicars  in  Eng- 
land on  the  subject  of  this  Test.  My  letters  were  all  expres- 
sive of  my  dislike  of  it.  Dr.  Troy  wrote  me  a  letter  of  three 
sheets  and  a-half  exposing  his  reasons  against  the  conscien- 
tious lawfulness  of  taking  such  a  test.  Our  committee  in 
Dublin,  I  find,  rejected  it.  In  fine,  it  has  been  totally  repro- 
bated in  Ireland ;  and  I  think  it  reflects  no  small  honour  on 
our  National  Church  and  our  hierarchy  to  see  the  unanimity 
which  prevailed  amongst  us  on  the  occasion. 
•  "  I  gave  no  general  leave  for  meat  this  Lent.  It  agrees  very 
well  with  me,  and  happy  I  am  that  your  Lordship  enjoys  such 
good  health.  I  am  convinced  the  account  you  are  empowered 
to  give  of  the  state  of  your  diocese  will  do  you  every  honour  in 
Kome.  The  Pope,  Mr.  Bodkin  writes  to  me,  is  now  seventy- 
three,  and  is  as  active  and  corky  as  a  man  of  fifty. 

"  As  to  France  and  the  National  Assembly,  I  am  at  a  loss 
what  to  say.     They  have  so  degraded  the  clergy  that  I  believe 

*  He  was  nephew  to  Rev.  Henry  Doglierty,  P.P.   and  V.G.,  Trim. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  145 

there  will  be  in  some  time  a  great  want  of  them  there,  as  few 
will  now  be  induced  to  take  to  the  Church  who  can  subsist 
otherwise. 

"Dr.  Walsh  seems  quite  secure  of  the  permanency  of  his 
house ;  Dr.  Kearney  does  not  think  so  of  his — that  is,  of  the 
community. 

"  I  shall  be  obliged  to  your  Lordship  if  you  would  send  to  my 
directions  here  ten  dozen  of  the  Irish  Catechism.  There  is  a 
new  edition  come  out,  anno  1790,  at  Mr.  McDonnell's  Essex- 
street,  of  a  prayer-book  called  Catholic  Piety,  which,  I  believe, 
you'll  like.  I  inserted  about  a  page  in  it  of  instructions  for 
confession,  immediately  after  the  examination  of  conscience, 
that  I  hope  you  will  find  truly  accurate.  Adieu,  my  ever  dear 
Lord.  I  don't  despair  but  we  shall  be  able  to  see  each  other 
this  summer,  and  "  os  ad  os  loqui."  All  that  is  kind  from  your 
friends  here  to  you  and  from  me  to  you  and  your  worthy 
coadjutors.  Adieu.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  my  ever  dear  and 
most  honoured  Lord,  with  inviolable  respect  and  attachment, 
"  Your  most  affectionate  friend, 

"  JAMES  BUTLER. 

"P.S. — Eemember  me  to  Dr.  Sheridan.  I  wish  you  and  he 
would  join  heads  together  to  answer  a  late  publication  of  Dr. 
Hales'  against  my  justification  of  the  Catholic  Tenets,  in  these 
points  where  religion  is  interested.  Dr.  Hales'  work  is  to  be 
found  in  Dame-street,  Dublin." 

On  the  2nd  of  June,  1790,  Dr.  Butler  writes  from 
Thurles  :— 

"  MY  MOST  HONOURED  AND  EVER  DEAR  LORD, 

"  When  I  should  have  been  all  punctuality  to  answer 
your  Lordship's  letter  of  the  llth  ultimo,  both  to  thank  you 
and  Dr.  Sheridan  for  your  ready  acquiescence  on  my  request  to 
publish  something  in  refutation  of  Dr.  Hales'  last  work  against 
me,  and  to  return  you  many  thanks  for  the  ten  dozen  of  Irish 
Catechisms  you  sent  me — behold  this  long  delay.  But  my 
dear  Doctor  Plunket  will  believe  me  when  I  assure  him  that  it 
was  from  no  want  of  the  due  sense  of  what  your  affectionate 
letter,  and  your  and  Dr.  Sheridan's  kind  and  ready  compliance 
demanded  from  me,  but  from  unexpected  and  unavoidable  busi- 
ness, which  took  up  most  of  my  time,  and  from  a  desire  of 

L 


146  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET. 

sending  you  the  remarks  which  Dr.  Collins  promised  to  send 
me  on  Dr.  Hales'  work.  Your  Lordship  must  have  known 
Dr.  Collins  in  Paris.  I  know  he  told  me  he  had  the  honour  of 
knowing  your  Lordship  there.  He  is  from  the  diocese  of 
Cloyne,  is  Vicar-General  to  the  Archbishop  of  Auche,  and  was 
preceptor  to  his  nephew.  For  figure,  height,  and  pleasing  dis- 
position of  mind,  with  a  great  stock  of  learning,  both  classical, 
historical,  and  theological,  I  know  very  few  who  equal  him.  T 
prevailed  on  him  to  join  you,  Dr.  Sheridan,  and  Mr.  Smyth  in 
contributing  his  mite  towards  the  work  in  question.  I  shall 
send  you  the  letters  which  passed  between  me  and  Dr.  Wood- 
ward, whereby  you  will  see  how  unprincipled  and  how  false  he 
behaved,  when,  at  the  same  time,  he  should,  if  what  he  pro- 
tested to  me  in  his  letter  were  true,  of  his  having  not  been  able 
to  discover  anything  himself  in  his  pamphlet  inimical  to  our 
religion,  have  given  a  new  edition  and  convinced  the  public  of 
his  having  meant  nothing  against  us  by  altering  the  obnoxious 
parts.  He,  on  the  contrary,  in  a  preface  to  this  ninth  edition, 
has  stamped  upon  us,  as  certain  tenets  of  ours,  those  shocking 
imputations  we  had  sacredly  disclaimed.  The  contrast  between 
his  assurances  in  his  letter  and  such  a  proceeding  would  shew 
to  the  public  how  little  his  Lordship  was  to  be  depended  on.  I 
shall  send  all  speedily  to  you.  Dr.  Collins  spent  nearly  a  fort- 
night with  me.  I  was  much  taken  with  him.  I  am  glad  you 
approved  of  the  alteration  I  made  in  the  new  edition  of  Catholic 
Piety.  Several  more,  and  such  as  your  Lordship  mentions,  will 
be  inserted  in  the  next  edition  of  that  valuable  work,  which  we 
will  arrange  when  we  meet,  which,  I  sincerely  hope,  may  be 
soon.  I  have  been  much  taken  up  with  the  oath  in  England. 
On  the  sixth  of  May  they  had  a  very  disedifying  and  discor- 
dant meeting.  I  am  afraid  that  religion  will  suffer  much  by 
their  awkward  and  unorthodox  proposals.  May  the  Lord 
preserve  our  people  from  the  infection. 

"  I  am  expecting  every  moment  my  brother  and  sister  from 
Ballyragget,  where,  to  my  joy,  they  are  now  settled.  They  are 
to  be  at  our  procession  here  to-morrow.  I  remain,  my  ever 
dear  and  most  honoured  Lord,  after  requesting  you  would 
remember  me  gratefully  to  the  worthy  Dr.  Sheridan,  with  the 
greatest  sincerity, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  affectionate  and  most  devoted  servant, 

"JAMES  BUTLER." 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  147 

On  the  2nd  of  June,  1790,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Walsh  of  Paris 
writes  to  Dr.  Plunket : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  a  certificate  wherein  Mr. 
Dillon  does  justice  to  Mr.  Drake's  application,  morals,  and 
social  qualities.  If  my  testimony  can  be  of  additional  weight, 
I  cheerfully  certify  that  Mr.  Drake  has  behaved  those  twelve 
mouths  past  in  a  truly  edifying  and  sacerdotal  manner.  I  hope 
he  has  profited  of  the  superior  opportunities  of  acquiring  science, 
which  this  house  holds  forth  under  the  directions  of  Doctors 
Flood  and  Murphy.  I  have  given  his  Grace  of  Dublin  my 
sentiments  on  the  present  state  of  religion  and  civil  affairs. 
Human  means  afford  no  solid  hopes,  and  we  look  up  to  God 
alone  for  happier  times.  The  local  utility  of  this  establish- 
ment will  secure  it,  I  trust,  from  suppression ;  but  the  rapid 
decrease  of  piety  diminishes  the  means  of  subsistence,  and  the 
junior  students  are  much  distressed  for  want  of  Masses.  If  the 
prelates  of  Ireland  could  influence  Government  to  demand  a 
translation  of  the  national  funds,  they  would  act  very  properly 
in  my  opinion. 

"  I  beg  leave  to  recommend  Mr.  Drake  to  your  paternal  at- 
tention, and  am,  with  gratitude  and  respect,  my  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  very  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

"  WALSH. 

"  P.S. — Abbe  Farrelly  charges  me  to  present  his  best  respects. 
He  soon  expects  some  news  from  your  Lordship." 


CHAPTER  XV. 

THE  REV.  PATRICK  SMITH. — LETTERS  OF  THE  EARL  OF 
BECTIVE  TO  DR.  PLUNKET. — APPEAL  OF  REV.  MR.  SMITH 
TO  THE  PRIMATE. — HIS  SUSPENSION. — DR.  TROY,  ARCH- 
BISHOP OF  DUBLIN,  TO  REV.  MR.  SMITH. —  DR.  TROY  TO 
DR.  PLUNKET. — REV.  VALENTINE  BODKIN  TO  DR.  PLUNKET. 

DR.  PLUNKET  TO  FATHER  BETAGH. — LETTERS  FROM 

FATHER  CONNOLLY,  SUPERIOR  OF  ST.  CLEMENT'S,  ROME.— 
DR.  PLUNKET  TO  REV.  MR.  SMITH. — SMITH'S  RETRACTION. 

THE  VENERABLE  ARCHDEACON  FLOOD,  parish  priest,  of 
Kells,  departed  this  life  on  the  23rd  of  July,  1790,  and  was 


148  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

buried  in  the  churchyard  of  Kells.  No  sooner  was  the 
parish  vacant  than  the  friends  and  admirers  of  the  Rev. 
Patrick  Smith  solicited  the  influence  of  the  Earl  of  Bee- 
tive,  and  prevailed  on  him  to  write  to  Dr.  Plunket : — 

"DEAR  Sn;, 

"  1  sympathize  with  the  whole  parish  of  Kells  in  lament- 
ing the  death  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Flood,  who  filled  his  station  with 
great  propriety  and  credit,  which  makes  his  loss  a  general  con- 
cern. 

"  I  am  importuned  by  the  bearer  hereof,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Smyth,  to  recommend  him  to  your  attention.  I  have  known 
his  family,  resident  in  this  parish  above  forty  years,  regular, 
quiet,  honest  people.  I  have  enquired  from  several  of  the 
principal  parishioners  the  character  of  the  gentleman  who 
waits  upon  you  with  this  letter,  and  they  are  of  opinion  that 
if  you  should  appoint  him  to  succeed  the  late  Mr.  Flood  he 
would  give  general  satisfaction  to  his  whole  flock,  and  be  very 
useful  in  the  parish,  as  he  is  a  very  well-informed  gentleman. 
As  such,  I  take  the  liberty  of  recommending  him,  and  if  he  is 
so  fortunate  as  to  succeed,  you  will  thereby  much  oblige, 
"  Dear  sir,  your  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

"  BECTIVE. 

"  July,  ye  26th,  1790." 

On   the    6th   of  August,    1790,   Lord   Bective   writes 
again : — 

«  SIR, 

"  By  this  day's  post  you  inform  me  that  you  have  ap- 
pointed a  Mr.  Reilly  to  the  parish  of  Kells,  though  I  strongly 
impressed  my  wishes,  and  those  of  all  the  principal  Protestants 
and  Roman  Catholics  of  this  parish,  that  Mr.  Smyth  should  be 
taken  into  your  consideration,  and  that  you  may  see  I  had 
good  authority  for  so  doing,  inclosed  you  have  the  subscribed 
sentiments  of  the  most  respectable  inhabitants  of  the  parish,  of 
every  description. 

"  I  am,  Sir,  your  humble  servant, 

"  BECTIVE. 
"P.S. — Pray  send  me  back  the  enclosed  by  the  bearer." 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  149 

We  have  never  seen  Dr.  Plunket's  replies  to  these 
letters,  but  we  may  presume  that  they  were  everyway 
worthy  of  him  and  of  the  occasion.  On  the  12th  of 
August,  same  year,  Lord  Bective  wrote  again : — 

"  Sir, 

"  I  am  persuaded  that  the  gentlemen  who  recommended 
Mr.  Smyth  to  your  consideration  thought  him  a  man  of  litera- 
ture, and  equal  in  every  respect  to  the  charge  of  the  united 
parishes  of  Kells,  which  induced  me  to  trouble  you  with  a 
letter  in  support  of  their  recommendation ;  but  since  you  are 
of  a  different  opinion,  it  is  perfectly  indifferent  to  me  who  is 
appointed.  I  have  but  one  wish,  and  that  is  the  prosperity, 
happiness,  and  well-being  of  every  description  of  men  amongst 
whom  I  live.  You  are  now  in  full  possession  of  the  sentiments 
of,  Sir, 

"  Your  obedient  servant, 

"BECTIVE." 

On  the  26th  of  July,  Dr.  Plunket  translated  the  Rev. 
Laurence  Eugene  O'Reilly,  P.P.  of  Kildalkey,  to  the 
pastorship  of  Kells,  and  now  the  partisans  of  Rev.  Mr. 
Smith  broke  out  into  open  rebellion  against  the  bishop's 
authority.  They  took  possession  of  the  chapel  of  Kells, 
refused  admittance  to  the  lawful  pastor,  and  perpetrated 
other  indignities  which  gave  Dr.  Plunket  more  pain  than, 
perhaps,  any  other  event  that  occurred  during  his  long 
administration  of  the  diocese.  On  the  8th  August,  the 
bishop,  yielding  in  part  to  the  storm,  prevailed  on  the 
Rev.  Mr.  O'Reilly  to  resign  his  nomination  and  return  to 
Kildalkey.  An  administrator  was  now  appointed ;  but 
this  act,  in  place  of  restoring  peace,  only  tended  to  in- 
flame and  stimulate  the  partisans  of  Smith  the  more.  As 
to  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  himself,  it  was  well  known  that  he 
directed  and  supervised  the  schismatical  acts  of  his  fol- 
lowers, and  hesitated  not  to'  invoke  the  aid  of  the  bigoted 
and  besotted  portion  of  the  Protestant  gentry,  who  were 
only  too  willing  to  co-operate  when  a  wound  was  to  be 
inflicted  on  a  dignitary  of  the  Catholic  Church.  Patrick 
Smith  was  a  man  of  splendid  abilities,  of  ready  and 


150  THE   BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DR.    PLUNKET. 

versatile  talent,  but  was  in  disposition  restless  as  a  wave  ; 
pre-eminently  factious  and  discontented.  He  officiated  in 
the  capacity  of  pastor  in  various  parts  of  the  diocese, 
emigrated  to  America,  transferred  his  services  to  Dr. 
Carroll,  Bishop  of  Baltimore,  and  returned  to  Meath, 
choleric  and  disappointed,  angry  with  himself  and  with 
the  world,  believing  all  his  ecclesiastical  superiors  to  be 
unmindful  of  his  many  perfections,  and  regarding  himself 
as  the  most  unhappy  and  ill-treated  of  men.  It  was  his 
misfortune,  as  has  happened  to  others  too,  that  his  bishop 
had  taken  too  much  notice  of  him,  had  done  too  much 
for  him,  and  had  been  too  ready  in  making  him  a  con- 
fidant. Hence,  like  many  another  spoiled  ingrate,  when 
thwarted  and  baffled  in  his  schemes  of  ambition,  even 
pro  hac  vice,  he  turned  011  his  benefactor  and,  with  a 
gratitude  worthy  of  the  snake  in  the  fable,  he  stung  his 
best  friend,  and  repay ed  a  life  of  kindness  with  insult  and 
calumny. 

On  the  14th  of  August,  1790,  the  Eev.  Patrick  Smith 
appealed  to  Dr.  O'Reilly,  the  Primate,  and  forwarded  to 
him,  from  Kells,  the  following  letter : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  The  annexed  paper,  a  copy  of  which  I  sent  last  Wed- 
nesday to  Dr.  Plunket,  will  in  part  unfold  to  your  Grace  my 
very  disagreeable  situation.  During  the  late  Mr.  Flood's  ill- 
ness I  occasionally  preached,  heard  confessions,  baptized,  &c., 
in  the  parish  of  Kells,  with  the  advice  of  Mr.  Flood,  who  was 
vicar-general,  and  by  the  tacit  consent  of  Dr.  Plunket,  to  whom 
this  was  known,  I  was  appointed  by  his  Lordship  Vicar 
Foraneus  of  the  district,  and  by  Mr.  Flood,  superintendent  of 
the  parish  of  Kells. 

"  Your  Grace  will  please  to  observe  that  the  first  article  of 
complaint  in  the  appeal  is  improperly  worded.  The  Earl  of 
Bective  does  not  pretend  to  a  right  of  presentation,  he  only 
'  co-operated  with  the  whole  parish  in  recommending  me  to 
Dr.  Plunket  for  the  parish  of  Kells/  But  in  Ireland  is  not 
such  a  co-operation  nearly  tantamount  to  a  nomination  1  more 
especially  as  Dr.  Plunket,  to  elude  its  efficacy,  strongly  in- 
sinuated that  I  was  guilty  of  some  canonical  fault,  which  ren- 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  HEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  151 

dered  me  incapable  of  benefiting  of  the  noble  Earl's  recommen- 
dation. 

"  Dr.  Plunket,  naturally  thinking  that  I  was  at  the  bottom 
of  the  whole  proceeding,  withdrew  the  faculties  of  the  diocese 
from  me,  interdicted  me  to  say  Mass  in  Kells,  and  forbade  me 
his  presence  by  a  letter  dated  the  8th  instant. 

"  Conscious  of  my  innocence  I  sent  him  a  copy  of  the  an- 
nexed appeal  on  Wednesday  night  last.  He,  next  evening, 
signified,  through  Mr.  Dempsey,  a  principal  Catholic  of  Kells,  a 
wish  to  see  me,  and  I,  accordingly,  waited  on  him  yesterday 
morning.  I  satisfied  him  completely,  relative  to  the  part  I 
acted  in  the  whole  business.  He  told  me  I  might  say  Mass  in 
Kells  or  wheresoever  I  pleased,  and  added  (and  I  am  correct 
in  his  words)  '  that  he  had  no  objection  to  my  having  a  vicarial 
power,  for  he  was  sure  I  would  not  abuse  it.' 

"  Immediately  after  I  had  parted  from  him,  having  forgot  a 
material  circumstance  relative  to  the  subject  of  a  letter  which 
he  was  about  to  write  to  Lord  Bective,  I  wrote  to  him,  and  in 
the  humblest  manner  remonstrated  with  him  how  unnecessary 
it  was  to  sacrifice  my  character  on  the  occasion.  I  begged  he 
would  devise  some  means  to  extricate  himself  and  me  out  of 
a  dreadful  situation  of  which  I,  indeed,  was  the  occasion,  but 
not  the  cause.  At  a  very  late  hour  last  night,  to  my  utter 
astonishment,  after  the  reconciliation  which  had  taken  place  in 
the  morning,  I  received  a  very  angry  letter  from  him,  wherein 
he  says  : — '  You  may  lodge  what  complaint  you  please  with 
our  Metropolitan.  I  am  prepared  for  all  events.  Stung  by 
the  effrontery  of  some  assertions  in  your  late  letter  and  appeal, 
I  thought  it  necessary  to  take  immediate  and  effectual  steps  to 
justify  my  conduct  as  a  public  man.' 

"  In  a  postscript,  he  adds  : — '  Refrain  from  saying  Mass  in 
the  parish  of  Kells/ 

"  Now,  my  Lord,  I  am  advised  to  appeal  from  this  sentence 
to  your  Grace's  tribunal,  and  under  the  protection  of  the  appeal 
to  assume  the  administration  of  the  parish  of  Kells  without 
further  delay.  I  intend  saying  both  the  Masses  in  the  chapel 
to-morrow.  There  is  no  danger  of  a  commotion,  for  the 
people  are  unanimously  for  me.  I  will  announce  to  the  con- 
gregation that  I  have  lodged  an  appeal  with  your  Grace,  and 
that  I  am  ready  at  any  hour  to  abide  by  your  decision.  Your 
Grace  will,  therefore,  please  to  impart  the  necessary  protection, 
and  give  such  other  directions  as  are  usual  on  such  similar 


152  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH  —  DR.  PLUNKET. 

occasions.  The  informalities  which  may  appear  I  hope  you 
will  attribute  to  the  urgency  of  the  occasion,  and  rest  satisfied 
that  I  shall  prove  to  some  effect  that  my  once  dear  friend,  Dr. 
Plunket,  has  treated  me  with  a  degree  of  injustice  and  severity 
not  authorized  by  any  law,  human  or  divine.  I  have  the  honour 
to  be,  with  the  utmost  respect,  my  Lord,  your  Grace's  most 
obedient,  most  devoted,  and  very  humble  servant, 

"  PATRICK  SMYTH. 

"  To  the  Most  Eev.  Dr.  Eeilly, 
"  Primate  of  all  Ireland." 

Tilings  went  from  bad  to  worse,  and  unfortunate  Smith 
became  contumacious  and  perverse;  lie  had  been  de- 
prived of  faculties,  and  was  forbidden  to  celebrate  Mass  ; 
but  so  far  from  yielding,  he  held  the  parish  in  defiance  of 
the  bishop.  On  the  loth  of  February,  1791,  he  was 
served  with  the  following  suspension  :  — 


SIR, 

"  I  am  ordered  by  the  Eight  Eev.  Dr.  Plunket  to 
suspend  you  from  every  priestly  function  for  disobedience  to 
your  bishop,  and  presuming  to  exercise  pastoral  jurisdiction  in 
Kells  without  the  flock's  being  allotted  to  your  care.  I  do, 
therefore,  suspend  you,  Eev.  Patrick  Smith,  from  every  priestly 
function,  and  be  -  so  suspended  until  you  return  to  obedience 
and  repair  the  scandal. 

"  WILLIAM  MCKENNA,  Pastor  of  Kells  and 
"  Archdeacon  of  Meath. 

"P.S.  —  I  am  very  unhappy  at  thus  commencing  my  commu- 
nication with  you,  and  sincerely  pray  God  it  may  soon  be  in  a 
more  friendly  style. 

On  the  31st  March,  1793,  Dr.  Troy,  Archbishop  of 
Dublin,  wrote  the  following  to  Rev.  Mr.  Smith. 

"EEV.  SIR, 

"  I  forwarded  your  letter  of  the  24th  instant  to  Dr.  Plunket, 
who  by  last  post  sent  the  following  written  answer  on  the 
subject  :  —  '  When  in  my  proposal  I  said  one  of  the  first  parishes, 
I  meant,  without  cunning  or  sophistry,  the  first  that  would  be 
in  my  power  to  grant  —  for  some  of  the  Meath  parishes  are 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  153 

under  lay-patronage.  With  all  the  guilt  and  atrocious  malevo- 
lence Mr.  Smith  imputes  to  me,  I  had  not  even  a  thought  of 
offering  him  any  other  than  a  good  parish.  As  to  Rev.  Mr. 
M'Kenna,  it  is  impossible  I  should  sacrifice  him  to  any  party — 
he  will  do  what  he  choses ;  ah1  I  say  is,  that  I  will  not  oppose 
any  measure  which  the  love  of  peace  may  induce  him  to  prefer 
to  the  right  he  has  justly  acquired.'  These  are  Dr.  Plunket's 
precise  words.  Although,  as  a  mediator  in  this  unfortunate 
affair,  I  should  confine  myself  to  the  present  circumstances  of 
it,  without'any  retrospect  to  the  original  cause  of  dispute,  never- 
theless, I  do  not  think  it  improper  or  informal  to  make  a  few 
remarks  on  some  particulars  of  your  letter,  and  especially  on 
that  part  of  it  respecting  the  motives  of  your  appeal,  on  which 
you  principally  ground  your  justification.  Dr.  Plunket,  you 
say,  appointed  you  pastor  of  Kells,  when  on  the  7th  of  August 
last  he  expressed  himself  to  Messrs.  Dempsey  and  Duffy  in  the 
following  or  similar  words  : — '  I  see  how  it  is.  Let  Mr.  Smith 
go  to  Kells.  Be  it  so  ;  but  I  shall  never  see  him,  nor  go  to 
Kells  in  an  official  capacity/  These  words,  in  their  plain  and 
obvious  signification,  are  indignant  and  reproachful  instead  of 
conveying  an  inclination  to  appoint  you  to  the  parish.  They 
are  evidently  expressive  of  his  determination  to  regard  you  as 
an  intruder,  should  you  go  there  in  an  official  capacity.  How 
then,  in  the  name  of  common  sense,  can  you  ground  an  appeal 
on  words  which  make  so  forcibly  against  you  1  At  any  rate, 
similar  words  could  not  deprive  Rev.  Mr.  Reilly  of  his  right  to 
the  parish  acquired  by  collation  and  induction.  This  priest 
declares  that  Dr.  Plunket  did  not  open  his  lips  to  him  concern- 
ing his  resignation  of  the  parish  while  Messrs.  Dempsey  and 
Duffey  continued  with  his  Lordship.  It  was,  therefore,  impos- 
sible they  could  report  anything  like  a  valid  appointment  in 
your  favour,  as  the  parish  was  not  then  vacant  by  resignation  or 
otherwise.  Mr.  Dempsey  was  here  last  September,  and  in  the 
many  conversations  with  me  on  the  subject,  never  even  hinted 
an  idea  of  your  being  appointed  Pastor  of  Kells  by  the  words 
mentioned.  He  has  lately  declared  to  Dr.  Plunket,  before 
witnesses,  that  he  did  not  understand  them  in  that  sense.  In- 
deed he  could  not  without  offering  violence  to  their  unequivocal 
meaning.  Notwithstanding  the  communication  of  these  words 
to  your  brother  on  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  the  7th  of 
August,  at  his  instigation  the  chapel  of  Kells  was  shut  against 
Dr.  Plunket,  on  the  following  day,  which  had  been  appointed 


154  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

for  his  annual  visitation.  You  then  lived  in  your  brother's 
house,  and  wrote  to  Dr.  Plunket  next  morning  early  to  acquaint 
him  of  the  violent  measures  that  had  been  adopted.  How, 
then,  is  it  possible  to  reconcile  this  resistance  to  the  bishop,  on 
visiting  the  parish,  with  the  idea  of  so  recent  an  appointment 
in  your  favour  1  So  outrageous  an  opposition  would  be  justly 
considered  as  a  very  strange,  ungrateful,  and  unnatural  return 
for  Dr.  Plunket's  supposed  kindness  and  condescension.  This 
remark  is  much  strengthened  from  your  silence  and  that  of 
your  friends,  with  respect  to  any  appointment  in  your  favour 
derivable  from  the  words  in  question.  For  four  days  after  the 
date  of  the  memorable  interview  with  Messrs.  Dempsey  and 
Duffy,  that  is  on  the  llth  of  August,  you  appealed  to  the 
Metropolitan  in  favour  of  a  right  of  presentation  belonging  to 
Earl  Bective  (in  your  late  letter  to  me  you  say  Lord  Bective 
presented)  in  this  appeal  there  is  not  a  word  of  any  appointment 
in  your  favour  on  the  7th  of  August.  This  appointment  was 
not  mentioned  until  the  12th  of  February,  when  you  went  to 
take  possession  of  the  parish  of  KeUs,  of  which  Rev.  Mr. 
M'Kenna  was  in  possession  from  the  14th  of  the  preceding 
month.  This  appointment  and  the  appeal  which  accompanied 
it  seem  to  have  originated  from  disappointment,  after  sacri- 
lege, profanation  of  the  house  of  God,  and  unexampled  acts  of 
open  violence  had  failed  to  intimidate  Mr.  M'Kenna,  and  to 
subdue  Dr.  Plunket  into  compliance.  You  say  that  Dr.  Plunket 
withdrew  Rev.  L.  Reilly  and  substituted  yourself  in  his  room. 
This  is  ascribing  to  Dr.  Plunket  a  greater  power  than,  I  fancy, 
he  did  or  could  claim.  But  I  shall  suppose  for  a  moment  he 
did  exercise  that  assumed  power.  Pray,  has  not  every  act  of 
his  in  the  whole  progress  of  the  business  constantly  withdrawn 
you,  or  rather  declared  you  an  usurper  and  intruder  ]  If  he 
was  right  in  withdrawing  Mr.  Reilly  from  the  parish,  he  must 
be  equally  so  at  least  in  withdrawing  you  in  like  manner.  On 
the  whole,  your  appeal  appears  totally  unfounded,  vexatious, 
and  frivolous.  As  to  your  character,  about  which  you  seem  so 
uneasy,  it  will  suffer  much  more  by  continuing  the  opposition 
to  Dr.  Plunket  than  by  accepting  his  proposal,  which  you  have 
perplexed  by  your  queries.  Dr.  Plunket  cannot,  in  honour  or 
justice,  make  Mr.  M'Kenna's  removal  from  Kells  a  necessary 
condition  in  the  present  negotiation  of  peace,  nor  can  he  with- 
out great  impropriety,  leave  the  disposal  of  the  parish  to  you. 
On  reflection,  you  must  be  convinced  of  the  absurdity  of  one 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  155 

and  the  other.  The  terms  proposed  are  fair  and  honourable  to 
you.  I  therefore  conjure  you  to  accept  them  immediately  with, 
the  same  sincerity  they  are  offered,  and  thereby  remove  the 
scandal  and  injury  to  religion  occasioned  by  your  opposition. 
Your  proposal  of  immediate  employment  requires  some  explana- 
tion. Pray,  my  dear  sir,  do  you  seriously  think  that  practicable; 
were  Dr.  Plunket  to  give  you  a  desirable  parish  to-morrow, 
could  you  in  that  case  conscientiously  perform  pastoral  or 
priestly  functions  under  an  irregularity  incurred  by  your  noto- 
rious violation  of  the  suspension  1  You  know  that  as  this 
irregularity  is  public,  Dr.  Plunket  cannot  dispense  in  it ;  but  I 
pledge  my  honour  that  no  time  shall  be  lost  in  procuring  the 
dispensation,  if  you  unequivocally  acquiesce  in  the  mentioned 
proposal.  I  shall  continue  my  mediation  whilst  it  may  be 
useful,  and  hope  you  will  not  render  it  ineffectual  by  insisting 
on  the  conditions  specified,  and  hinted  at  in  your  letter  to  me. 
May  the  Almighty  direct  you,  and  grant  you  every  desirable 
blessing.  With  these  sincere  wishes,  I  remain  truly,  rev.  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

"J.  TROY. 
"ToKev.  P.  Smyth,  Kells." 


On  the  9th  of  April,  1791,  Dr.  Troy  writes  from  Dublin 
to  Dr.  Plunket  :— 


"  Influenced  as  I  was  by  representations,  true  or  false, 
but  certainly  alarming,  when  I  took  the  liberty  of  writing  to 
your  Lordship  yesterday,  I  could  not  but  request  a  delay  in 
publishing  the  excommunication  against  the  unhappy  Smyth. 
I  conceived  the  abettors  of  his  rebellion  pledged  to  the  most 
violent  measures  against  your  Lordship  and  Mr.  McKenna, 
under  the  sanction  or  connivance  of  Lord  Bective,  who  is 
declared  to  be  offended  with  both.  My  mind  was  filled  with 
the  possible,  if  not  probable,  consequences  of  an  immediate 
denunciation,  whilst  the  delay  might  afford  some  time  for  re- 
flection to  the  most  violent;  and  at  any  rate  could  be  considered 
only  as  a  prudent  expedient,  and  at  most  a  partial  evil.  Such, 
my  dear  Lord,  were  my  motives ;  whether  they  were  well  or 


156  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

ill-founded,  my  intention  was  upright,  without  a  design  of 
being  officious  after  having  declared  my  mediation  at  an  end, 
But  I  have  said  too  much  by  way  of  apology,  which  I  am  con- 
vinced is  superfluous. 

"  I  write  to  Mr.  McKenna  by  this  post  in  the  best  manner 
hurry  permits.  He  declared  to  me  privately  at  Navan,  that  if 
in  possession  of  Kells  parish  after  Smyth's  departure  from 
thence,  he  would  resign  it  for  peace  sake,  and  left  me  at  liberty 
to  communicate  his  pacific  intentions  to  Mr.  Dempsey,  with  a 
strict  injunction  of  secrecy.  From  the  like  views  I  have  men- 
tioned the  matter  to  the  latter,  who,  tho'  actuated  by  party 
pride,  felt  the  value  of  this  generous  sacrifice.  He  has  gone 
too  far  into  this  business,  but,  if  I  am  not  mistaken,  would 
gladly  extricate  himself  from  it  with  what  the  world  calls 
decency.  I  candidly  opened  myself  to  him,  and  tho'  I  do  not 
think  him  a  convert,  I  am  persuaded  he  is  wavering  between 
duty  and  consistency  of  conduct.  The  violent  party  plainly 
discover  that  Smyth  cannot  remain  at  Kells  with  any  degree 
of  propriety ;  but  they  wish  to  cover  his  retreat  with  a  triumph 
over  Mr.  McKenna,  and,  therefore,  they  desire  the  departure 
of  both  should  take  place  at  the  same  time.  I  do  not  see  how 
this  is  practicable  without  many  bad  consequences.  Perhaps 
your  Lordship,  might  think  otherwise,  and  satisfy  both  parties 
in  this  particular.  At  all  events,  the  choice  of  Mr.  McKenna's 
successor  should  not  depend  on  the  inclination  of  the  Corpora- 
tion or  Catholics  of  Kells.  It  would  be  a  much  lesser  evil, 
and  perhaps,  in  case  of  necessity,  an  eligible  measure,  to  pay 
so  great  a  compliment  to  Lord  Bective  only,  with  an  express 
exclusion  of  all  such  priests  as  from  interested  or  other  motives 
have  paid  court  to  some  leaders  of  the  faction  during  the 
troubles. 

"  Candour  forbids  me  to  conceal  another  circumstance  in  this 
business.  Mr.  Dempsey  assures  me  that  Rev.  Mr.  Reilly  of 
Navan  is  particularly  obnoxious  to  the  Kells  faction.  Their 
prejudices  against  him  are  unmerited,  and  occasioned,  I  fancy, 
by  the  insinuations  of  Smyth.  I  mention  them  only,  such  as 
they  are,  with  the  sole  view  of  shewing  the  inexpediency  of 
sending  him  to  Kells  in  any  contingency,  altho'  your  Lordship, 
I  think,  told  me  you  never  had  any  such  intention.  I  positively 
told  Mr.  Dempsey  you  had  not.  .  .  . 

"  I  must  finish  this  hasty  letter,  but  not  without  assuring 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  157 

your  Lordship  of  the  sincere  attachment   and   respect  with 
which  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  my  dear  Lord, 

"  Your  affectionate  and  humble  servant, 

"  JOHN  TROY." 

On  the  8th  of  June,  1791,  Rev.    Valentine   Bodkin, 
Dr.  Plunket's  agent  in  Rome,  writes  the  following : — 

"  MOST  REV.  DEAR  SlR, 

"  I  was  favoured  in  due  course  with  your  Lordship's 
agreeable  favour  of  April  12th,  and  should  have  acknowledged, 
long  ere  now,  the  receipt  thereof,  but  waited  till  your  commis- 
sions were  executed  as  to  the  expediting  the  Papal  Bull  con- 
ferring on  your  recommended  Rev.  W.  McKenna,  Pastor  of 
Kells,  the  archdeaconry  of  the  diocese.  I  now  enclose  you  the 
transumptum  of  the  Pope's  Bull,  from  the  date  of  which  you 
can  easily  see  I  lost  no  time,  on  receipt  of  yours,  in  applying 
for  the  Pope's  fiat,  which  remains  on  back  of  petition,  and  is 
lodged  in  the  archivium  according  to  style,  and  in  vigour  of 
which  Pope's  Bull  issues,  which,  by-the-bye,  is  never  speedily 
expedited  for  us  Irish,  but  at  leisure,  as  no  more  expenses 
attend  it  than  that  of  nine  Roman  Scudi  and  six  Pauls,  or 
£2  8s.  sterling,  which  I  paid  unto  the  JDatary  for  the  same, 
and  from  whence  I  only  got  this  morning  the  enclosed.  In 
one  of  my  late  letters  to  Dr.  Cruise  I  prayed  him  to  inform 
you  that  I  renewed  your  faculties  ordinary  and  extraordinary 
on  the  19th  of  February  last.  I  am  very  punctual  in  attending 
to  the  renewal  of  such  of  our  Irish  prelates  as  employ  me,  and 
as  you  honoured  me,  on  the  late  occasion  of  sending  the  state 
of  your  diocese  to  the  Holy  See,  I  as  soon  took  care  to  have 
them  renewed,  and  thus  I  anticipated  your  desires,  which  I 
should  at  all  times  be  more  than  happy  to  have  in  my  power 
to  do,  in  hopes  it  may  the  more  effectually  convince  you  how 
very  much  I  feel  myself  both  happy  and  obliged  to  find  myself 
at  last  your  agent. 

"  Cardinal  Antonelli  received  your  last  and  former  letter, 
which  you  apprehended  miscarried.  He'll  soon  answer  you, 
and  send  you  the  faculty  required.  I  long  since  received  your 
very  generous  remittance  to  Father  French  for  me,  and 
should  have  returned  my  early  thanks,  but  thought  it  better  to 
avoid  postage  for  that  alone.  I  had  very  early  intelligence  as 
to  Rev.  Mr.  Smyth's  aspiring  to  Kells  parish,  as  well  as  his 


158  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET. 

endeavours  to  secure  it  for  himself.  I  fancy  the  sanatorium 
you  call  for  in  your  letter  to  the  Cardinal  regards  him.  Altho' 
you  mention  him  not,  when  pro  utroque  foro,  such  a  faculty  is 
here  required  ;  as  to  absolving  from  irregularity,  &c.,  they 
insist  on  specifying  the  name,  which  you  have  not  in  your 
letter  to  the  Congregation.  The  appointment  of  the  Decan&tus, 
or  prima  dignitas,  in  each  of  the  Irish  dioceses,  only  belongs  to 
the  Cardinal  Protector  of  Ireland,  and  not  to  the  Congregation, 
the  Prefect  of  which  is  Cardinal  Antonelli.  The  affairs  of 
Propaganda  are  this  year  past  transacted  more  than  slowly, 
owing  to  the  late  hurry  of  affairs  as  to  France,  the  want  of  an 
expert  secretary,  as  also  the  death  of  the  first  under- secretary, 
(or,  as  the  Italians  call  them,  minutante),  Abbe  Serassi,  a  most 
learned,  able  man.  Observe  in  your  next  letter  the  difference 
of  style.  I  had  a  letter  lately  from  worthy  Dr.  Butler  of  Cashel. 
His  Grace  pays  not  proper  attention  to  his  health,  which  I  look 
on  as  most  advantageous  to  our  Church  of  Ireland.  His  great 
zeal  and  fervour  carry  him  far  beyond  the  strength  of  his  con- 
stitution. 

"  I  am,  with  truth  and  esteem,  your  Lordship's  most  affec- 
tionate, devoted,  humble,  and  obedient  servant, 

"  VALENTINE  BODKIN." 

On  the  25th  of  June,   1791,  Rev.  Valentine  Bodkin 
writes  again  to  Dr.  Plunket : — 

"  MOST  REV.  DEAR  SlR, 

"  In  compliance  with  the  order  of  the  Congregation  of 
Propaganda,  I  enclose  your  Lordship  three  different  papers,  in 
answer  to  your  last  to  Cardinal  Antonelli.  On  the  8th  instant 
I  forwarded  you  in  my  letter  the  transumptum  of  Pope's 
Bull,  granting  the  Archdeaconry  of  Kells  unto  your  recom- 
mended Rev.  Mr.  \V.  McKenna,  lately  by  you  appointed 
Pastor  of  Kells,  and  doubt  not  but  that  you'll  soon  now  receive 
it,  as  my  said  letter  should  have  reached  London  by  this,  and 
my  London  letters  I  regularly  receive  in  seventeen  days. 
Cardinal  Antonelli,  upon  having  been  handed  the  enclosed 
petition  against  Mr.  Smyth,  spoke  to  me  about  the  same.  My 
answer  was,  that  I  could  not  presume  to  advance  anything  pro 
or  con,  being  utterly  a  stranger  to  both  Mr.  Smyth,  as  also  to 
everything  therein  advanced  ;  that  moderate,  however,  as  the 
Extensor  was  and  respectful  as  to  your  Lordship,  I  apprehended, 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  159 

however,  there  was  more  artifice  and  design  in  it,  than  "what  at 
first  appeared,  and,  therefore,  gave  it  as  my  opinion  that  his 
Eminence  should  transmit  the  same  to  you,  than  whom  no  one 
could  be  more  conscientious  or  just.  Cardinal  Antouelli 
accordingly  sends  you  the  original  itself,  which  is  the  highest 
mark  of  esteem,  it  being  usual  rather  with  this  Court  to  en- 
courage in  general  private  correspondence  and  recourse  with  a 
view,  they  flatter  themselves  here,  of  coming  at  the  truth,  and 
of  acquiring  the  more  or  better  information.  How  far  wisely 
they  act,  at  least  by  the  Irish,  I  shall  not  at  this  moment  pre- 
sume to  determine  ;  but  this  I  can  assure  you,  that  letters  the 
most  scandalous  and  full  of  sarcasm,  of  obloquy,  often  replete 
with  facts,  anecdotes,  and  stories  about  our  country,  our  pre- 
lates, the  clergy  and  others,  are  written  hither,  by  particulars 
to  the  Congregation,  whence  arises  the  most  despicable  opinion 
of  us,  of  our  country  and  hierarchy,  so  that  we  are  neither 
esteemed  or  revered.  This  much  I  tell  you,  with  a  heart  full 
of  concern,  and  could  wish  my  countrymen  would  for  once 
learn  more  sense,  and  a  more  correct  feeling  of  what  they  owe 
to  themselves  and  to  their  country,  by  being  animated  with 
more  public  spirit,  more  patriotic,  so  as  not  to  be  blinded  by 
envy,  resentment,  or  private  selfish  views,  with  which  too  many 
of  them  are.  .  .  . 

"  Nothing  new  or  particular  has  occurred  here  since  last  I 
wrote  to  you.  An  accommodation  between  the  Pope  and  the 
King  of  Naples  is  now  nearly  accomplished.  Thirty-one  bishops 
are  to  be  consecrated  here  shortly  for  the  Neapolitan  territories. 
As  to  France,  the  rumour  of  a  counter-revolution  gains  credit 
every  day  more  and  more,  so  that  most  likely  the  times  of 
Charles  I.,  when  at  the  last  push,  will  be  renewed  in  France  ; 
and  let  the  bustle  turn  out  as  it  will,  I  am  strongly  of  opinion 
that  the  royalists,  as  they  style  themselves,  will  lean  as  heavy 
on  the  Church  as  the  friends  to  the  revolution ;  for,  from  all  I 
have  seen  of  them  here,  I  could  discover  nothing  but  Deism, 
and  a  total  want  of  virtue,  even  in  the  royalists,  so  depraved 
and  incredulous  is  the  bulk  of  that  nation  become. 

"  We  have  had  here,  till  a  few  days  ago,  a  run  of  very  bad 
weather,  which  resembled  more  the  month  of  March  than  any 
other  with  you  in  Ireland.  I  hear  you  had  also  very  severe 
weather  last  month  in  Ireland,  accompanied  with  hail,  snow, 
and  violent  squalls  of  wind,  which  has  done  a  gread  deal  of 
harm.  It  has  been  equally  the  same  with  us  here  over  sundry 


160  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

parts  of  Italy,  to  the  utter  damage  of  the  corn  ;  and,  what  is 
more  swept  away  everything  of  vegetation,  and  erased  the  very 
vines  from  their  roots,  out  of  the  ground,  in  some  parts  for  a 
tract  of  sixty  miles  in  length. 

"  The  King  of  Spain  has  prohibited  his  couriers  to  pass  any 
further  through  the  French  dominions.  They  are  now  ordered 
to  take  shipping  at  Barcelona — a  clear  sign  that  Spain  is  bent 
upon  a  total  rupture  with  the  National  Assembly.  The  trumpet 
of  war,  it  seems,  is  not  far  from  sounding  in  France.  What 
a  bloody  struggle  will  it  not  be  ! 

"  You'll  lind  a  great  change  in  the  style  and  manner  of  writ- 
ing of  the  present  Under-Secretary  of  Propaganda.  The  late 
one — a  most  able,  clever  man,  one  of  the  best  scholars  in 
Europe,  erudite  and  profound — unfortunately  was  snatched  off 
in  three  days'  illness.  The  doctor  left  him  at  ten  at  night,  and 
declared  him  not  only  better,  but  in  no  danger  whatsoever,  and 
at  two  o'clock  in  the  morning  he  was  dead.  His  loss  is  almost 
irreparable  to  Propaganda,  to  which  he  has  acted  as  under- 
secretary upwards  of  forty  years. 

"  No  doubt  you  have  long  since  been  informed  of  the  Petita 
sent  to  the  Holy  See,  by  our  four  archbishops,  concerning  Free- 
masons ;  the  fast  of  the  Saturdays — I  should  have  said  absti- 
nence ;  the  Festivitas  Rosarii,  to  take  place  of  Dedication  Eccle- 
siarum  Hibernice;  leave  to  eat  eggs  on  Fridays  when  vigils ;  the 
use  of  the  Pallium  for  the  four  Metropolitans,  and  faculty  to 
dispense  in  1°  gradu.  The  answer  is  at  last  finished,  and  will 
shortly  be  forwarded.  The  use  of  the  Pallium  is  granted,  as 
also  to  each  archbishop  pro  20  casibus  pro  matrimoniis  solummodo 
contractis.  As  you  shall  soon  see  it,  there  is  no  use  in  saying 
any  more.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  truth  and  esteem, 

"Your  Lordship's  most  affectionate,  devoted,  humble,  and 
obedient  servant, 

"  VALENTINE  BODKIN." 

On  the  30th  of  November,  1791,  Rev.  Valentine  Bodkin 
writes  again  from  Rome  to  Dr.  Plunket : — 

"  MY  LORD  AND  MOST  REV.  SIR, 

"  Nothing  could  be  more  pointed  or  severe  on  me  than 
the  latter  part  of  your  letter  of  October  the  9th,  which  only 
came  to  hand  November  llth.  We  have  had  here,  during  the 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET.  161 

months  of  October  and  most  of  November,  most  violent,  inces- 
sant rains.  The  Po,  Adige,  and  other  great  rivers  of  Italy,  have 
overflowed  their  banks,  and  washed  down  everything  before 
them — laying  waste  vast  tracts  of  the  adjacent  territories,  to  an 
immense  loss  of  property,  and  many  lives  also.  I  deferred  an- 
swering your  Lordship's  letter  earlier  for  many  considerations  ; 
for,  inasmuch  as  my  feelings  were  not  a  little  hurt  on  the 
perusal  of  yours,  I  waited  till  cooler  reflection  would  enable  me  to 
answer  your  letter  more  fully  and  more  respectfully,  as  behoveth 

me Mr.  Smyth  certainly  wrote  to  me  on  the 

4th  of  March  last,  which  letter  I  answered  on  the  30th  of  same 
month,  assuring  him  that  justice  would  be  shewn  him,  in  case 
he  had  it  on  his  side  ;  but  that  without  the  promised  documents 
I  could  not  judge  from  his  appeal  how  far  he  seemed  to  me  to 
be  in  the  right.  I  can't,  under  pain  of  censures,  suppress  any 
appe.il  to  the  Holy  See  ;  neither  am  I  the  judge,  but  the  Con- 
gregation of  Propaganda.  I  could  not,  besides,  presume  to 
condemn  him,  as  it  would  be  pfejudging,  and  more  than  rash 
on  my  part.  From  that  day  to  this  I  never  received  but  one 
letter  from  Mr.  Smyth,  in  October  last,  which  I  answered  pre- 
cisely on  the  22nd,  and  in  it  my  answer  to  him  was  that  his 
case  seemed  to  me  very  difficult  and  dubious,  shuffling  and 
equivocal  as  it  might  appear  from  all  the  testimonies  I  saw  or 
heard  of,  your  Lordship's  nomination  of  him,  as  by  the  message 
or  answer  brought  back  by  the  delegates,  Messrs.  Dempsey 
or  Duffy.  If  I  had  espoused,  as  is  asserted,  with  you,  how, 
pray,  could  I  have  concurred  in  the  expediting  Mr.  M'Kcnna's 
Bull,  granting  unto  him  the  archdeaconry,  and  in  getting  in- 
serted in  the  Bull  Pastor  de  Kells,  as  mentioned  to  me  in 
your  letter  to  me  1  All  Bulls  are  publicly  expedited  in  the 
Datary,  and  by  only  going  thither,  with  the  least  pains,  one 
finds  out  everything  of  the  affairs  of  the  current  year.  Mr. 
Smyth  has  other  correspondents  in  Rome  besides  me,  and  take 
it  for  granted  I  have  never  been,  nor  am  I  the  confidential 
one  ;  let  him  write  or  say  what  he  will  to  the  contrary,  I  was 
solicited  to  act  for  him  by  persons  of  distinction,  and  to  this 
day  I  have  never  baen  able  to  know  at  whose  insinuation  he 
wrote  me  his  first  letter.  It  had  been  no  prejudice  to  your 
Lordship,  let  me  assure  it  to  you,  were  I  the  correspondent,  as 
so  assuredly  given  out  with  you  from  secondary  ends,  and  out 
of  sinister  views.  You  must  know  the  world  better  than  I  do, 
and  can't  be  ignorant  but  that  there  are  wheels  within  wheels, 

M 


162  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

whenever  any  dispute  or  negotiation  is  on  the  carpet.  Mr. 
Smyth  himself  has  written  to  Cardinal  Antonelli,  who  encou- 
rages much  private  correspondents  :  witness  his  late  conduct 
by  Dr.  French  of  Elphin.  This  is  a  great  practice  in  Koine ; 
and,  to  my  knowledge,  Eome  receives  all  intelligence  by  means 
of  such  private  scribblers,  one  of  whom  I  should  be  more  than 
ashamed  to  be,  for  they  often  write  a  deal  of  dirt,  although 
the  prudence  and  cleverness  of  Rome  seem  to  heed  it  not. 
When  your  Lordship  honoured  me  with  your  agency  I  was  more 
than  proud  thereat ;  and  sensible  as  I  was,  and  still  am,  of  the 
favour,  and  of  your  generosity  to  me,  I  have  uniformly  endea- 
voured to  serve  you,  both  from  esteem  and  attachment,  united 
with  most  grateful  acknowledgements.  In  believing  me,  you'll 
do  me  but  common  justice.  I  moreover  trust  I  am  highly 
attached  to  our  Holy  Faith  and  Religion — to  her  interest  and 
support  by  every  lawful  means  or  exertions  in  my  power; 
shallow,  however,  and  weak  as  it  must,  for  this  very  reason  I 
should  be  very  far  from  encouraging  refractory  priests.  Canoni- 
cal obedience,  discipline,  and  subordination  have  been  at  all 
times  necessary,  but  more  so  in  the  present,  when  we  see  under 
our  eyes  the  doleful  effect  of  republican  principles,  of  the  want 
of  subordination  in  the  ill-fated  kingdom  of  France. 

"  Your  long  silence  to  my  letter  to  you  in  June  was  very  iin- 
lucky ;  for,  had  you  written  to  me  earlier,  I  should  have  taken 
some  steps  to  be  informed  earlier  of  the  merits  of  Mr.  Smyth's 
claim  to  Kells,  and  should  have  communicated  to  you  the  neces- 
sary intelligence,  and  should  have  taken  the  liberty  to  pray  you 
not  to  write  to  the  Congregation  before  you  were  first  consulted 
or  written  to.  I  was  given  to  understand  that  you  had  em- 
ployed another  agent,  as  incensed  against  me  for  having  written 
to  Smyth.  So  that  if  you  had  your  share  of  artful  reports,  I 
was  not  forgotten  either.  I  should  certainly,  I  fear,  be  wanting 
to  myself,  to  candour  and  sincerity,  and  to  the  discharge  of  my 
office  as  your  agent,  were  I  to  conceal  that  within  those  few 
days  I  have  seen  the  whole  or  most  of  Mr.  Smyth's  papers,  in 
order  to  translate  them  into  Italian  for  the  Congregation.  Their 
size  is  more  than  bulky,  besides  being  numerous  ;  amongst  them 
Mr.  Smyth's  printed  reasons  addressed  to  yourself.  Shall  I  now 
presume  to  give  you  my  opinion  of  the  matter — although  so  far 
superior  to  me  in  knowledge  ?  You  committed  a  very  great 
•error  in  paying  so  little  attention  to  his  appeal  to  the  Holy  See. 
This,  from  my  knowledge  of  Rome,  at  least,  will  highly  pre* 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  163 

possess  all  the  cardinals  against  you,  and  make  them  look  on 
you  with  eyes  of  indignation.  So  jealous  is  Rome  of  this  right, 
that  in  no  instance  will  she  allow  an  inferior  to  reject  or  judge 
of  the  validity  or  non-validity  of  an  appeal  to  her.  Neither  will 
the  opinion  and  advice  of  your  vicars  and  the  other  clergy  be 
sufficient  to  screen  you.  Again,  your  having  so  publicly  even 
denounced  him  from  all  the  altars  of  your  diocese  will  contri- 
bute to  make  the  cardinals  look  on  you  as  an  impetuous,  im- 
prudent prelate.  The  affair  of  Ardbraccan,  I  am  very  sorry  it 
has  ever  happened  ;  for  it  has  contributed  much  to  the  late  un- 
natural scandals  and  proceedings  of  Mr.  Smyth.  Whoever  had  a 
hand  in  procuring  that  petition  and  signatures  of  the  parishioners 
against  the  unhappy  Smyth  was  not  aware  of  the  consequences, 
and  not  possessed  of  the  deepest  penetration.  The  most  power- 
ful interest  is  set  on  foot  against  you,  and  an  able  lawyer  and 
canonist  employed  to  defend  the  cause  and  support  Smyth's  pre- 
tensions. To  be  candid  with  your  Lordship,  I  am  full  of  ap- 
prehensions that  the  cause  will  not  be  favourable  to  you.  The 
merits  of  it  turn  chiefly  upon  those  three  things,  viz. ,  on  the 
validity  of  Duffy's  and  Dempsey's  testimonies  on  account  of  all 
the  circumstances  ;  on  the  modus  of  granting  parishes  viva  voce  ; 
and,  thirdly,  on  Smyth's  merits  or  demerits.  He  has  sent,  no 
doubt,  not  only  numerous  documents,  but  a  few  good  ones  also, 
which  will  plead  well  for  him,  although  his  writings  savour  so 
much  of  modern  revolutionary  principles,  and  of  the  spirit  of 
the  provincial  letters  of  the  head  Jansenists.  Lord  Bective 
interferes  not  in  the  matter  at  all,  although  he  is  not  pleased  with 
you.  I  shall  write  to  you  as  soon  as  I  have  read  the  lawyer's 
writing.  Let  me  hear  from  you  if  your  Lordship  thinks  me 
worthy  of  your  confidence,  and  if  you  think  I  can  anyway  put  in 
a  plea  in  your  behalf,  in  order  to  guard  against  an  entire  de- 
cision against  you.  As  to  your  having  suspended  him  and  hav- 
ing denounced  him,  by  all  I  can  see  and  learn,  all  your  proceed- 
ings and  acts  on  the  occasion  were  invalid  ;  and,  therefore,  your 
best  or  only  plea  is  that  you  looked  on  his  appeal  as  withdrawn 
the  moment  he  entered  into  a  treaty  of  compromise  or  reference 
with  you,  by  retiring  to  Dublin,  and  accepting  of  Ardbraccan. 
Here  please  to  observe  a  contradiction  of  a  very  strong  nature 
in  yourself.  You  assert  him  unworthy  or  unfit ;  you  suppose 
him  irregular,  and  you  offer,  nay  confer  on  him,  a  parish.  What 
a  handle  will  not  adversaries  make  of  this  ]  I  could  wish,  with 
all  my  heart,  this  affair  never  came  to  the  point  it  has,  for,  at 


164  THE   BISHOPS   OF  MEATH — DR.    PLUNKET. 

least,  it  will  contribute  to  lessen  you  much  in  the  esteem  of  the 
Congregation,  with  which  you  stood  so  very  high  of  late.  I  re- 
peat it  to  you  again,  that  great  personages  are  interested  here 
against  your  Lordship,  and  that  Smyth,  as  possessed  of  abilities, 
is  also  fertile  in  resources.  My  paper  is  nearly  exhausted,  and 
I  must  conclude — renewing  my  assurance  of  esteem  and  attach- 
ment for  your  person  and  dignity.  The  Congregation  of  Propa- 
ganda assembled  on  Monday  last,  but  in  it  no  mention  of  your 
suit,  except  of  Smyth's  appeal.  Dr.  Teahan,  of  Kerry,  was 
transferred  to  Cashel,  but  no  one  appointed  in  his  room,  for 
many  substantial  reasons.  The  Pope's  confirmation  will,  how- 
ever, not  take  place  before  Sunday  next,  the  4th  of  December. 
I  have  already  signified  as  much  by  letter  to  the  prelates  of  that 
province. 

"Your  Lordship's  devoted,  obliged,  humble  and  obedient  ser- 
vant, 

"V.  BODKIN." 

On  the  14th  of  January,  1792,  Rev.  Valentine  Bodkin 
writes  from  Rome  : — 

"  MOST  REV.   DEAR  SlR, 

"  I  had  the  honour  of  writing  to  your  Lordship  on  the 
30th  of  November  last,  when  I  flatter  myself  I  was  as  suffi- 
ciently satisfactory  as  the  limits  of  a  letter,  as  well  as  a  certain 
delicacy  on  my  side,  circumstanced  as  I  am,  would  allow.  I 
shall  shortly  expect  an  answer  from  you,  and  how  happy  must 
it  make  me  to  find  that  I  still  enjoy  your  regards  and  esteem, 
which  I  more  than  ambition,  and,  let  me  assure  it  to  you, 
highly  value.  The  day  after  I  wrote  to  you  last  I  was  taken 
.dangerously  ill,  and  my  life  for  many  days  despaired  of.  My 
complaint  was  an  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  occasioned  by  a 
neglected  cold,  which  I  caught  no  later  than  last  October.  Re- 
peated bleedings,  and  no  less  than  five  blisters.  I  received  all 
the  rites  of  the  church,  and  the  night  in  which  I  was  given  up 
for  irrecoverable  proved  my  amendment  a  few  hours  after  the 
physicians  were  gone  away.  The  loosening  my  bandaged  arm, 
when  plenty  of  blood  gushed  forth,  was  under  heaven  the  cause 
of  my  amendment.  I  am  now  recovering  slowly,  but  unable  at 
all  to  walk  any  length  owing  to  the  blisters  which  had  been  ap- 
plied to  the  soles  of  my  feet. 

"  Upon  being  handed  this  morning  Mr.  Smyth's  defence,  or 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  165 

writing  against  you,  to  peruse  it,  by  Cardinal  Antonelli's 
desires,  I  immediately  looked  for  your  letter  of  the  9th  of 
October  to  me.  Amongst  the  charges  which  you  therein  make 
to  me,  one  in  particular  is  your  great  surprise  of  the  early  in- 
telligence he  (Smyth)  had  of  your  recommendation  of  Mr. 
McKenna  for  the  archdeaconry  of  Kells.  Nothing  can  be  more 
injurious  than  this  charge  against  me;  for  I  most  solemnly 
declare  it  in  verbo  sacerdotali  that  neither  this  nor  any  other  in- 
telligence have  I  ever  commmunicated  to  him.  My  letters  to 
him,  the  only  two  or  three  times  at  most  I  ever  wrote  to  him, 
were  only  in  answer  to  his,  and  were  only  expressive  of  the 
terms  and  epithets  used  either  by  him  or  others  against  you  on 
account  of  the  present  dispute. 

"  Permit  me  further  to  assure  you  on  this  occasion  that  per- 
sons have  interfered  in  this  business  who  are  by  no  means  well 
affected  to  you,  and  who  are  more  ill-inclined  to  me.  I  have 
been  set  astray,  and  am  sorry  I  gave  ear  to  such  artful  insinua- 
tions, to  which  I  am  so  long  accustomed,  and  unfortunately  ex- 
posed owing  to  my  situation  and  circumstances.  The  present 
cause  between  you  and  Smyth  is  not  to  come  on  before  Feb- 
ruary next,  toAvards  the  end.  Surely  then  I  shall  have  a  letter 
from  you,  Avhich  will  enable  me  to  appear  for  you,  and  put  in  a 
reply  to  Smyth's  writings.  I  gave  you  in  my  last  the  marrow 
and  substance  of  all.  Dempsey  and  Duffey's  attestation  against 
you  saying — '  Well,  then  let  Mr.  Smyth  go  to  Kells,  but  I  shall 
never  go  thither  in  an  official  capacity,'  is  handled  tantamount 
to  a  formal  nomination  very  ably  by  Smyth's  counsel  here,  and 
bears  heavy  against  you,  as  verbal  nominations  or  viva  wee 
facfce  are  customary  in  Ireland,  and  proved  to  be  a  practice. 
All  your  cards,  letters,  &c.,  are  cited  against  you,  and  put  in 
such  a  light  as  to  depreciate  and  lessen  you,  and  extol  Smyth. 
As  to  your  suspension  and  excommunication  of  him,  I  told  you 
my  own  private  sentiments  before,  which  I  now  confirm  to  you, 
and  am  bold  to  tell  you  that  they  are  looked  upon  as  totally 
null,  and  make  you  appear  in  the  light  of  an  imprudent,  if  not 
too  hasty,  a  prelate.  Your  plea  as  to  this  I  mentioned  to  you 
in  my  last.  I  am  strongly  of  opinion  that  a  commission  to  the 
Primate  in  this  affair  will  be  the  best  measure  I  can  propose  or 
endeavour  to  bring  about  for  you,  in  order  to  borrow  time  and 
enable  you  for  a  better  defence,  as  also  to  guard  against  a 
formal  decree  of  any  kind  in  Smyth's  favour.  Without  hearing 
from  you  I  can't  presume  to  interfere,  as  not  authorized.  How 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DE.  PLUNKET. 

ever,  I  shall  always  interest  myself  in  your  behalf  as  to  this 
last-mentioned  point  concerning  the  Primate.  Cardinal  An- 
tonelli  desires  me  to  tell  you  that  he  can't  answer  your  letter 
before  the  affair  is  discussed  in  Congregation.  We  have  been 
here  latterly  much  concerned  lest  the  late  revolutions  and  pro- 
ceedings of  the  R.  C.  Society,  formed  in  Dublin,  may  more 
than  offend  Government.  By  the  best  accounts  Government 
is  much  alarmed  and  incensed.  Lord  Shannon  has  written  to 
his  son,  Lord  Boyle,  now  here,  that  the  Whiteboys  are  all  up 
in  the  south,  and  that  the  E,.  Catholics,  in  conjunction  with  the 
Independents  and  Dissenters,  threaten  both  the  Established 
Church  and  State. 

"  Dr.  Troy  has  written  hither  to  his  agent,  Fr.  Concannen^ 
that  he  has  been  cruelly  handled  by  the  Dublin  Society. 

"  Lord  Kenmare's  and  Dr.  Teahan's  advertisements  in  the 
papers,  disavowing  the  proceedings  of  the  Dublin  Society,  do 
them  infinite  honours.  Those  are  dangerous  times ;  and  I  fear 
some  French  emissaries,  by  themselves,  their  agents,  and  their 
money,  may  somehow  be  at  the  bottom.  The  exertions, 
activity,  and  zeal  of  our  prelates  are,  I  apprehend,  now  called 
upon,  and  demand  a  vigorous  resistance  on  our  part,  in  order 
to  stem  the  torrent  of  independent  principles,  of  innovation,  and 
anarchy,  and  thus  effectually  convince  Government  of  the 
sincerity  of  our  principles  as  true  and  loyal  and  the  best  o'f  sub- 
jects. Our  nation  is  particularly  unfortunate  on  this  occasion ; 
and  whilst  such  proceedings  must  particularly  draw  away  the 
minds  of  the  people  from  their  industry  and  employments,  they 
will  also  continue  to  render  us  odious  to  Government,  and  pre- 
vent any  further  grants  of  privileges  or  any  further  repeal  of 
the  penal  laws  still  existing  against  the  Roman  Catholics.  The 
Emperor  Leopold's  late  manifesto  concerning  Alsace  and  Lor- 
raine is  very  strong,  and  makes  the  public  now  believe  that  the 
French  National  Assembly  cannot  avoid  reinstating  the  sundry 
persons  injured  by  the  decree  of  October,  1789,  in  irdegrwm,  or 
a  war  is  inevitable  between  France  and  the  whole  Germanic 
body  of  the  empire 

"The  Pope  continues  well  notwithstanding  his  late  slight 
stroke  of  apoplexy.  The  most  of  the  differences  with  Naples 
have  been  accommodated,  and  twenty-eight  bishops  are  shortly  to- 
be  consecrated  here.  Exchange  against  France  more  than  fifty 
per  cent.  loss. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH  —DR.  PLUNKET.  1G7 

"  Lord  and  Lady  Killeen  are  at  Bologna  and  well ;  they  are 

expected  here  shortly 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  truth  and  esteem, 
"  Your  Lordship's  most  affectionate,  devoted,  humble  servant., 

"  VALENTINE  BODKIN." 

Dr.  Plunket  now  writes  to  his  old  and  esteemed  friend, 
the  venerable  Father  Betagh,  and  gives  him  a  detailed 
account  of  the  whole  controversy : — 

,.    "  DEAR  AND  HONOURED  FRIEND, 

"  Nothing  short  of  constant  occupation  could  have  pre- 
vented me  from  returning  an  earlier  answer  to  your  kind  favour 
of  the  7th  instant.  Accept  my  wishes  for  your  preservation 
during  a  long  succession  of  happy  years ;  wishes  not  the  less 
warm  and  sincere  for  being  expressed  so  late.  I  request  our 
common  friends  may  through  you  accept  similar  wishes  of 
many,  many  happy  years.  I  had  not  time  to  tell  you  in  my 
last  scrawl  that  Mr.  Smyth  had  at  length  appealed  to  the 
Holy  See ;  and  that  it  became  necessary  for  me  to  state  with 
minuteness  all  this  iniquitous  business  from  the  origin.  I 
understand  his  chief  plea  is,  that  he  got  from  me  on  the  7th  of 
August,  1790,  a  viva  voce  collation,  which  has  been,  such  as  it 
was,  attested  by  Messrs.  Dempsey  and  Duffy  of  Kells,  with 
whom  I  had  on  that  day  an  interview.  This  pretension  I 
have,  I  think,  completely  refuted,  by  proving  that  on  that  day 
no  collation  could  have  been  given,  because  there  was  not  then 
a  vacancy.  Rev.  Laurence  O'Reilly  being  at  that  very  time  in 
peaceable  possession  of  the  parish,  as  I  have  shewn  by  his  own 
solemn  declaration,  which  is  gone  off  with  the  packet  I  sent  to 
you  on  Tuesday  night  last.  This  decisive  fact,  which  it  is  im- 
possible to  overthrow,  is  further  supported  by  other  facts  which 
demonstrate,  that  no  idea  of  a  collation  had  been  entertained  by 
Mr.  Smyth  and  friends  from  the  7th  of  August,  1790,  until  the 
12th  of  February,  1791,  when  this  bubble  first  appeared  in  the 
letter  which  gave  me  notice  that  he  was  going  to  take  posses- 
sion of  the  chapel  of  Kells.  1°.  The  very  day  after  this  pretended 
collation,  reported  to  Smyth  and  his  brother  on  the  evening  of 
the  interview,  that  is  the  8th  of  August,  1790,  the  chapel  of 
Kells  was  shut  by  Tom  Smyth,  and  a  set  of  ruffians  employed 
for  the  purpose  ;  and  it  was  to  have  been  the  solemn  visitation 


168  THE  EISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

day.  This  outrage  against  religion  and  the  bishop  was  a 
strange  return  for  the  collation  of  the  day  before.  2°.  On  the 
llth  of  August,  four  days  only  after  the  pretended  collation, 
Rev.  Mr.  Smyth  appealed  to  the  Primate,  founding  his  claim 
to  the  parish  on  Lord  Bective's  recommendation,  which,  in  the 
true  adulatory  style,  he  called  a  presentation,  a  right  of  which 
the  nobleman  had  not  dreamed.  So  much  ashamed  was  he  of 
this  claim,  that  before  I  appeared  at  the  Primate's  tribunal,  he 
withdrew  his  appeal,  alleging  at  the  same  that  he  was  not  him- 
self when  he  digested  and  prepared  it.  3°.  Lord  Bective  wrote 
the  12th  of  August,  five  days  after  the  pretended  collation,  to 
assure  me  that,  '  as  I  was  of  a  different  opinion  from  the  gentle- 
man who  had  recommended  Mr.  Smyth  to  him,  it  was  perfectly 
indifferent  to  him  who  was  appointed  pastor.'  This  letter  was 
an  answer  to  my  reply  on  the  8th  of  August  to  his  Lordship's 
second  recommendation  of  Mr.  Smyth.  In  this  reply  I  un- 
equivocally informed  Lord  Bective  that  it  was  utterly  out  of 
my  power  to  give  the  parish  of  Kells  to  Mr.  Smyth.  This 
correspondence  was  totally  inconsistent  with  an  idea  of  a  colla- 
tion on  the  7th  of  August.  4°.  I  received  several  letters  from 
this  clergyman  between  the  7th  of  August  and  the  beginning 
of  February  following,  relative  to  Kells,  and  not  a  word  occurs 
in  them  of  the  pretended  collation  of  the  7th  of  August.  In 
one  of  these  letters,  dated  the  8th  of  August,  he  tells  me  that 
he  had  spoken  to  his  friends  with  approbation  of  my  appoint- 
ment of  Rev.  Laurence  O'Reilly.  5°.  On  the  day  of  the  riot 
when  the  priest's  brother,  at  the  head  of  a  desperate  gang, 
attempted  to  carry  off  Rev.  Mr.  McKenna  by  main  force,  a 
syllable  was  not  mentioned  of  the  pretended  collation,  although 
this  collation  would  have  been  the  most  plausible  pretext 
imaginable  for  this  unexampled  and  atrocious  undertaking. 
6°.  In  a  letter  to  Doctor  Troy,  at  the  time  of  his  Grace's  media- 
tion, he  acknowledged  he  had  no  right  to  the  parish,  and  only 
called  for  a  reparation  of  his  character.  At  length,  when 
slander,  sacrilege,  outrageous  invasion  of  the  house  of  God,  and 
open  and  daring  violence  were  not  sufficient  to  force  me  into 
compliance  with  his  wishes,  at  the  end  of  six  months,  the  idea 
of  this  collation  struck  his  fancy,  and  he  fastened  upon  it  as  an 
expedient  that  authorized  him,  he  thought,  to  usurp  the  exercise 
of  pastoral  functions.  These  different  heads  of  proofs,  properly 
arranged  and  exhibited,  compose  my  refutation  of  his  claim 
founded  on  the  viva  voce  collation.  Moreover,  I  have  explained 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  HEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  169 

the  irords  of  my  conversation  with.  Messieurs  Dempsey  and 
Duffy  which  gave  occasion  to  the  pretended  collation ;  words 
which,  taken  together  in  their  obvious  and  natural  sense,  and 
not  mutilated,  exclude  every  idea  of  a  collation.  From  the 
very  acoive  part  taken  at  the  commencement  of  the  schism  by 
these  witnesses,  I  have  inferred  that  they  were  not  placed  beyond 
the  reach  of  suspicion  of  partiality,  and  their  quality  of  apothe- 
cary and  grazier  orjarmer,  furnished  me  grounds  for  observing 
that  they  were  not  competent  judges  of  the  precise  meaning  of 
ecclesiastical  language.  I  have  availed  myself  of  a  declaration 
made  by  Mr.  Dempsey  in  presence  of  two  respectable  persons, 
by  which  he  acknowledged  that  he  did  not  think  I  had  collated 
Mr.  Smyth  to  the  parish  of  Kells  during  the  interview  on  the 
7th  of  August,  and  that  he  remembered  I  had  on  that  occasion 
affirmed  that  it  was  not  in  my  power  to  give  the  parish  to 
Mr.  Smyth,  as  there  was  then  no  vacancy. 

"  In  the  second  place,  Mr.  Smyth  attacks  me  for  having  sus- 
pended him,  whilst  under  the  protection  of  an  appeal  to  the 
Holy  See.  Here  the  wind  and  tide  favour  him  :  as  everything 
that  interferes  with  the  prerogatives  of  the  Apostolic  See  must., 
with  reason,  alarm  Rome.  I  justify  my  conduct  in  this  respect, 
1°,  by  asserting  that  I  did  not  know  or  believe  he  had  appealed. 
In  this  notion  I  was  afterwards  confirmed  by  his  own  acknow- 
ledgement, purporting  that  he  had  not  even  ivritten  to  Rome 
until  near  a  month  after  his  intrusion.  I  was  confirmed  in  this 
notion  by  a  letter  from  Card.  Antonelli  dated  the  25th  of  June 
following,  which  intimated  nothing  concerning  this  appeal.  2°. 
By  the  doctrine  of  the  Council  of  Trent,  which  I  quote,  this 
doctrine  plainly  supposes  that  some  appeals  are  frivolous,  and, 
therefore,  do  not  obstruct  the  course  of  ecclesiastical  justice, 
especially  when  there  is  no  question  of  order,  ecclesiastical  dis- 
cipline, and  the  preventing  of  excesses  which  might  otherwise 
follow.  By  proving  Mr.  Smyth's  pretensions  to  have  been 
absurd,  unreasonable,  and  void  from  the  origin,  I  proved  that 
the  appeal  grounded  upon  these  was  frivolous  ;  that  the  design 
of  this  appeal  was  to  screen  iniquity  and  elude  the  canons;  that 
Mr.  Smyth  recurred  to  it  for  the  very  purpose  which  the  Coun- 
cil intended  to  frustrate ;  and  that  it  was  precisely  the  case  in 
which  the  Council  ordained  that  an  appeal  should  have  no  sus- 
pending power.  3°.  I  defend  my  conduct  by  the  plain  maxims 
of  reason  and  prudence.  If  an  appeal  to  the  Holy  See  authorizes 
a  priest  to  perform  pastoral  functions,  without  other  mission  or 


170  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

jurisdiction,  there  is  an  end  to  obedience,  subordination,  and 
ecclesiastical  government.  The  most  unprincipled  person  may 
come,  in  imitation  of  Mr.  Smyth,  and  tell  me  :  '  Sir,  I  like  the 
parish  of  Kells ;  it  will  answer  my  views ;  I  have  no  valid  claim 
to  it,  I  confess,  but  I  have  set  my  heart  upon  it,  and  have  it  I 
must ;  I  have  friends  there — Catholics  and  Protestants  ;  the 
party  is  formed  ;  touch  me  not,  I  advise  you  ;  I  appeal  to  the 
Holy  See — do  your  best/  Mr.  Smyth  did  not  speak  but  he 
acted  in  this  manner.  By  this  method,  the  more  unscrupulous 
a  clergyman  is  the  more  easily  will  he  gag  his  bishop,  and  tie 
his  hands  and  drive  through  everything  sacred  with  impunity. 
This  reasoning  I  have  urged  as  strongly  as  possible.  I  have 
applied  it  to  the  case  of  a  clergyman  actually  suspended  in  this 
diocese  for  a  fault  of  the  most  serious  kind.  I  have  called  him 
forth,  and  made  him  speak  as  above.  I  shew  that  Mr.  Smyth's 
successful  rebellion  encourages  the  culprit  in  question  to  deride 
my  jurisdiction  and  laugh  at  my  authority.  This  part  of  my 
defence  I  began  by  professing  my  unalterable  veneration  for  all 
the  rights  of  the  Holy  See,  and  in  particular  for  the  right  of 
appeal  when  conformable  to  the  canons.  I  close  my  long  letter 
by  a  sketch  of  Mr.  Smyth's  conduct  since  the  commencement 
of  my  administration.  Here,  I  repeat,  for  I  gave  them  before,  the 
real  reasons  of  my  exception  to  Mr.  Smyth.  I  follow  the  traveller 
from  Dunboyne  to  America,  and  from  America  to  Meath.  His 
pamphlet  against  Dr.  Carroll  and  fellow-labourers  I  take  proper 
notice  of.  The  boldness  and  effrontery  of  his  assertions  rela- 
tive to  the  present  contest,  I  account  for  on  the  only  principles 
on  which  they  can  be  accounted  for.  I  disavow  all  part  in  the 
complaint  sent  to  Rome  against  him  by  the  Catholics  of  his  for- 
mer parish — Ardbraccan — with  regard  to  which  he  has  most 
shamefully  slandered  me.  In  a  word,  I  have  said,  in  my  late 
letter,  which  I  hope  you  received  and  got  posted  last  Wednes- 
day, everything  I  thought  worth  saying  on  the  subject ;  and  I 
shall  be  surprised  if  it  does  not  terminate  the  controversy.  I 
thank  you  for  the  copy  of  Doctor  Troy's  letter,  the  receipt  of 
which  I  have  acknowledged  to  his  Grace.  Candour  and  frank- 
ness, worthy  of  his  station,  mark  the  sentiments  he  expresses, 
and  ought  to  screen  him  from  insult  whatever  his  political  opi- 
nions be.  I  did  not  wish  to  add  to  our  division  by  signing  any 
address.  I  was  not  consulted  relatively  to  the  Navan  resolutions. 
I  wish  well  to  our  common  cause,  but  I  fear  some  of  our 
patriots  leave  religion  out  of  the  question.  Some  of  your  clergy, 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  HEATH — DR.   PLUNKET.  171 

canonize,  if  not  belied,  with  unqualified  praise,  the  whole  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  late  National  Assembly  of  France,  whose 
majority  were  visibly  under  infidel  influence.  If  our  nominal 
Catholics  look  the  same  way,  if  the  sacred  rights  of  religion,  are 
to  be  sacrificed  for  the  phantom  of  political  liberty,  if  we  are 
not  to  become  citizens  of  this  world  without  forfeiting  our  title 
to  citizenship  in  the  other,  should  not  the  ministers  of  religion, 
of  every  rank  and  degree,  take  the  alarm  and  stand  upon  their 
guard  "?  How  rapid  and  sudden  was  the  transition  in  France, 
from  the  enthusiasm  of  civil  liberty  to  the  confusion  and  degra- 
dation of  ecclesiastical  licentiousness  and  anarchy  ?  My  fears 
are,  perhaps,  visionary,  without  foundation.  Nevertheless,  some 
symptoms  in  our  laity  indicate  an  inclination  to  become  our 
masters,  and  to  dictate  to  us  even  in  the  line  of  our  profession. 
Still,  I  must  acknowledge,  we  have,  clergy  and  laity,  but  one 
common  interest,  which  it  is  our  duty  to  promote  by  means  con- 
sistent with  our  Catholic  principles  and  civil  allegiance.  I  think 
we  should,  session  after  session,  apply  respectfully  to  the  Legis- 
lature for  a  further  participation  of  the  blessings  of  our  free 
constitution.  In  such  applications  we  should  not  appear  to  be 
divided  upon  common  principles ;  common  interest  and  com- 
mon wants  ought  to  unite  us.  It  was  a  great  evil  that  on  the 
late  occasion  the  moderate  men  (if  such  there  were  on  both 
sides)  did  not  interfere  with  energy  to  prevent  a  division  of  the 
body.  We  may  trace  up  all  our  calamities  to  division.  Divi- 
sion will  defeat  our  best  and  most  reasonable  wishes.  In  the 
late  contradictory  resolutions  that  have  appeared,  Catholics  in- 
sult Catholics — to  the  no  small  amusement  of  a  host  of  foes.  I 
have  not  seen  a  single  resolution  that  deplores  the  misfortune  of 
disagreement  and  invites  the  body  to  forget  all  inferior  consi- 
derations in  concord  and  unanimity.  I  do  not  know  what 
altercation  in  the  general  committee  produced  a  separate  address, 
signed  by  the  minority.  Had  an  adjournment,  or  some  kind  of 
compromise,  taken  place  at  that  period,  we  should  be  more  re- 
spectable at  this  moment.  We  would  have  all  spoken  one  and 
the  same  language.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  those  who  signed 
the  address  will  not  secede  from  the  committee ;  but  rather,  1  y 
returning  to  their  station,  there  give  it  all  the  weight  and  con- 
sequence to  be  derived  from  union. 

"  I  sent  you,  this  day,  by  Jones,  the  carman,  a  note  of  ten 
guineas,  to  pay  my  debts,  and  to  purchase  many  articles  which 
I  want  this  long  time.  I  am  in  rags ;  scarce  have  I  stirred  out, 


172  THE   BISHOPS   OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

except  to  the  chapel,  since  before  Christmas.  I  want  a  complete 
suit  to  appear  in.  The  coat  to  be  fine  cloth,  of  that  kind  of  blue 
that  is  tinged  with  purple.  The  last  of  that  kind  I  had  was 
rather  coarse,  and  did  not  yield  good  service.  The  waistcoat 
fine  Lutherine ;  and  two  pair  of  best  sattinett  breeches.  These 
clothes  are  to  be  made  in  town.  Fletcher  has,  I  suppose,  my 
measure.  I  beg  he  will  make  the  buttonholes  strong,  especially 
at  the  breast  of  the  coat ;  and  give  me  good  buttons ;  those  at 
the  knees  of  the  small  clothes  require  to  be  of  the  most  durable 
quality  of  silk  or  thread.  I  hope  he  will  not  make  the  coat  too 
scanty.  Everything,  as  formerly.  I  had  two  pair  of  bandages, 
of  each  pair  one  is  now  broken  ;  I  forgot  to  send  a  sample,  but 
will  by  the  next  opportunity.  I  anticipate  the  thanks  due  for 
the  kindness  with  which  you  will  be  so  good  as  to  execute  these. 
With  the  payment  of  what  I  already  owe,  accept  my  grate- 
ful acknowledgement  for  the  credit  you  gave  me.  The  tooth 
I  have  lost  broke  off  from  the  surface  of  the  gum ;  the  root  re- 
mains so  fast  that  I  cannot  thing  of  disturbing  it.  I  hope  my 
honoured  friends,  Fullam  and  Mulcail,  enjoy  good  health;  those 
that  see  you  give  me  satisfactory  accounts  of  yours.  Preserve 
it  for  religion  and  for  your  friends.  I  congratulate  you  on  your 
late  charity  sermon,  which  has  been  mentioned  to  me  with  com- 
mendation and  praise.  It  was  a  novel  situation,  and  therefore 
difficult,  but  no  difficulty  could  arise  except  from  your  modesty. 
I  request  you  will  believe  me  to  be,  with  unalterable  sentiments 
of  esteem  and  attachment,  dear  and  honoured  friend, 

"  Your  affectionate  friend  and  obedient  servant, 

"  *•  P.  J.  PLUNKET. 
"Navan,  29th  Jan.,  1792." 

.On  the  7th  of  March,  1792,  the  Very  Eev.  John 
Connolly,  Prior  of  St.  Clement's  in  Rome,  subsequently 
Bishop  of  New  York,  writes  to  Dr.  Plunket : — 

"  EIGHT  REV.  SIR, 

"  I  hope  your  Lordship  will  please  to  pardon  the  liberty 
I  take  to  trouble  you  with  a  few  lines,  in  order  to  inform  you 
of  the  following  particulars.  Some  months  ago  I  waited  on 
Cardinal  Antonelli  on  commissions  I  had  received  from  the 
Bishop  of  Limerick  and  Achonry.  His  Eminence  on  that  oc- 
casion asked  me  if  I  was  acquainted  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smyth 
of  your  Lordship's  diocese.  On  my  answering  in  the  negative, 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  173 

he  said  he  had  received  from  Mr.  Smyth  a  long  letter  in  which 
he  asserts  that  the  parish  of  Kells  had  been  validly  conferred  on 
him  ;  that  your  Lordship  wanted  to  deprive  him  of  it,  and  had 
put  him  under  censure  because  he  would  not  quit  that  parish  ; 
and  that,  of  course,  your  proceedings  against  him  on  this  point 
were  unjust  and  invalid.  Since  that  time  I  heard  no  more  of 
this  affair  from  his  Eminence  or  any  of  the  officers  of  Propa- 
ganda 'till  about  a  week  ago,  when  waiting  on  Monseigneur 
Zondadari,  the  Secretary  of  that  Congregation,  he,  the  moment 
he  saw  me,  asked  me  if  I  was  agent  here  for  you*r  Lordship.  I 
said  I  have  not  that  honour,  but  believed  that  Abbe  Bodkin  is 
your  agent.  Monseigneur  answered  that  he  is  not,  adding  that 
the  Congregation  had  received  from  Mr.  Smyth  a  great  many 
letters  and  other  papers  whereby  he  endeavours  to  justify  his 
conduct  relative  to  your  Lordship's  commands  ;  that  this  affair 
must  be  discussed  in  the  Sacred  Congregation  ;  and  that  it  is  a 
very  disagreeable  circumstance  that  so  many  letters,  &c.,  are  to 
be  produced  there  in  behalf  of  Mr.  Smyth  when  the  Congrega- 
tion has  not  to  oppose  to  them  the  information  it  expected  to 
receive  long  since  from  your  Lordship  on  this  business.  The 
idea  of  communicating  these  particulars  to  your  Lordship  did 
not  occur  to  me  during  the  conversation  with  Monseigneur 
Zondadari,  otherwise  I  would  have  told  him  of  it ;  but  as  I  shall 
see  him  after  to-morrow,  I  will  then  tell  him  I  have  had  the 
honour  of  writing  to  you.  I  was  very  glad  to  have  been  lately 
informed  that  your  Lordship  was  pleased  to  confer  a  parish  on 
my  confrere  and  acquaintance,  Bernard  Coffey.  If  Abbe 
O'Hanlon*  resides  near  your  Lordship,  I  beg  you  will  be  so  kind 
as  to  remember  me  to  him.  I  have  always  heard  him  speak 
with  the  greatest  respect  and  veneration  of  your  Lordship's  zeal 
and  abilities  during  his  stay  at  Rome,  where  he  gained  the 
esteem  of  persons  of  the  highest  rank.  Wishing  your  Lord- 
ship every  sort  of  happiness,  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  the 
most  profound  respect,  my  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servant, 

"  BR.  JOHN  CONNOLLY, 
"  Prior  of  the  Irish  Dominicans. 

"P.S. — Lord  and  Lady  Killeen,  with  two  of  his  Lordship's 
brothers,  arrived  here  two  days  ago." 

*  Subsequently  Pastor  of  Slane.     See   Diocese    of  Meath,   vol.  i.,  at 
Pastors  of  Slane, 


174  THE  BISHOPS  OF   MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

On  the  17th  of  March,  1792,  the  Eev.  John  Connolly 
wrote  again  from  Rome  : — 

"  EIGHT  REV.  SIR, 

"  Since  I  had  the  honour  of  addressing  a  few  lines  to 
your  Lordship  on  the  7th  instant,  I  have  waited  twice  on 
Monseigneur  Zondadari  to  let  him  know  I  had  taken  that 
liberty.  Not  having  at  either  time  found  him  at  home,  I 
prayed  the  person  who  is  next  in  office  to  him  in  Propaganda 
to  inform  him*of  it.  This  person  told  me  that  the  Congrega- 
tion had  received  from  your  Lordship,  through  the  Archbishop 
of  Dublin,  the  information  it  wished  to  have  relative  to  Mr. 
Smith's  claim  to  the  parish  of  Kells,  by  which  it  appears  that 
his  pretensions  to  that  parish  are  groundless.  He  added  that 
Monseigneur  Zondadari  was  not  informed  of  these  particulars 
when  he  expressed  to  me  so  great  an  earnestness  to  have  a  letter 
from  your  Lordship  on  this  subject,  because  Cardinal  Antonelli, 
to  whom  the  letters  from  Dr.  Troy  relative  to  it  had  been 
delivered,  had  not  then  as  yet  given  them  to  read  to  Monseig- 
neur Zondadari.  Lest  my  former  letter  may  make  your  Lord- 
ship apprehend  that  Dr.  Troy's  letters  have  not  reached  Propa- 
ganda, I  think  it  incumbent  on  me  to  trouble  your  Lordship 
with  these  lines.  I  beg  your  Lordship  will  excuse  the  liberty  I 
take,  as  it  at  first  proceeded  from  the  attention  I  conceived  to 
be  due  to  your  Lordship  by 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servant, 

"BR.  JOHN  CONNOLLY." 

On  the  28th  of  April,  1792,  the  Rev.  John  Connolly, 
who  had  a  short  time  previously  been  adopted  by  Dr. 
Plunket  as  his  agent  in  Rome,  writes  again  : — 

"  RIGHT  REV.  SIR, 

"  I  have  received,  a  few  moments  ago,  the  enclosed  from 
Cardinal  Antonelli,  with  a  note  expressing  his  Eminence's  desire 
that  I  would  forward  it  immediately  to  your  Lordship.  This 
injunction  is  particularly  pleasing  to  me,  as  it  affords  me  an 
opportunity  of  returning  your  Lordship  my  sincere  thanks  for 
the  extremely  kind  letter  of  the  1st  instant,  with  which  you 
were  pleased  to  honour  me.  Immediately  after  the  contestation 
between  your  Lordship  and  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  had  been  discussed 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  175 

some  weeks  ago  in  the  Sacred  Congregation,  I  was  informed, 
by  good  authority,  that  the  decision  of  the  Congregation  was — 
that  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  had  not,  nor  could  have,  any  right  to  the 
parish  of  Kells  ;  that  by  celebrating  Mass  under  censures  he  had 
incurred  an  irregularity ;  and  that  application  can  be  made  to 
his  Holiness  for  power  to  absolve  him  from  it  after  he  will  have 
done  due  submission  to  your  Lordship.  As  I  have  been  already 
too  troublesome  to  your  Lordship  on  this  subject,  I  forbore  to 
trouble  you  with  a  third  letter.  At  the  same  time  I  com- 
municated the  earliest  information  of  the  issue  of  this  contesta- 
tion to  my  confrere,  Father  Concannen,  who  is  agent  here  for 
his  Grace  the  Archbishop  of  Dublin.  Lord  and  Lady  Killeen 
had  set  out  from  Rome  before  I  had  the  honour  of  your  Lord- 
ship's letter.  I  request  your  Lordship  will  believe  me  to  be, 
with  the  most  profound  veneration  and  sincere  esteem,  my 
Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servant, 

"  BR.  JOHN  CONNOLLY." 

The  decree  of  the  Sacred  Congregation,  which  accom- 
panied Father  Connolly's  letter,  was  substantially  as  is 
represented  above,  and  it  effectually  decided  in  favour  of 
Dr.  Plunket. 


On  the  19th  of  June,  1792,  Dr.  Plunket  wrote  the  fol- 
lowing to  Rev.  Mr.  Smith ; — 

"  REV.  DEAR  SIR, 

"  The  steps  which,  by  your  own  acknowledgement,  you  are 
taking  with  a  view  to  revive  the  late  scandalous  litigation ;  the 
boldness  of  unfounded  assertion;  the  unfair  statement  of  facts; 
the  newly-invented  anecdotes  ;  and  the  tone  of  defiance  that 
mark  your  letter  of  yesterday,  appear  to  me  so  utterly  incon- 
sistent with  every  rational  notion  of  submission  and  satisfaction, 
that  1  think  it  useless  for  you  to  come  to  Girley,  unless  you 
bring  with  you  dispositions  of  a  different  nature.  If,  however, 
on  cool  reflection  you  judge  proper  to  adopt  sentiments  more 
becoming  your  situation,  more  consonant  to  Christian  humility 
and  charity,  and  more  conformable  to  the  respect  due  to  a 
solemn  decision  of  the  Holy  See,  you  will  have  an  opportunity 
of  seeing  me  to-morrow  evening  at  Rev.  Mr.  Martin's  of  Ath- 


176  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

boy,  where  you  will  find  me  still  disposed  to  go  every  reason- 
able length  to  promote  your  reconciliation  to  the  Church." 

On  the  21st  of  June,  1792,  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  attended 
visitation  in  the  chapel  of  Girley,  union  of  Kells,  and  on 
bended  knees,  opposite  the  altar,  in  presence  of  the  bishop, 
clergy,  and  congregation,  asked  pardon  for  his  late  oppo- 
sition, professed  henceforth  dutiful  obedience  to  Dr. 
Plunket,  retracted  everything  improper  which  he  had 
said  or  published  against  him,  renounced  all  interference 
with  the  parish  of  Kells,  and  humbly  begged  absolution 
from  the  censures,  and  dispensation  in  the  irregularity 
which  he  had  the  misfortune  to  incur  during  the  late 
schism.* 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  was  subsequently  appointed  to 
the  pastoral  charge  of  Castlepollard,  and  died  an  edifying 
death  on  the  8th  of  January,  1796. 

On  the  8th  of  August,  1792,  the  Rev.  John  Connolly 
wrote  to  Dr.  Plunket,  from  St.  Clement's,  Rome. 

"  RIGHT  REV.  SIR, 

"  As  soon  as  I  was  honoured  with  your  Lordship's 
most  welcome  and  very  gracious  favour  of  the  24th  of  June, 
I  translated  into  Italian  the  act  of  Rev.  Mr.  Smyth's  solemn 
submission  and  retractation,  presented  it  to  Cardinal  Antonelli, 
and  informed  him  minutely  of  the  particulars  contained  in 
your  Lordship's  letter  relative  to  that  transaction.  His  Emi- 
nence expressed  the  greatest  satisfaction  at  your  Lordship's 
having  brought  the  affair  to  so  happy  a  conclusion,  and  was 
extremely  pleased  at  your  having  mentioned  to  me  that  the 
decree  of  the  Congregation  on  this  occasion  struck  a  blow  that 
will  be  fatal  to  the  spirit  of  disobedience  and  clerical  insurrec- 
tion in  Ireland.  He  said  he  will  express  himself  more  at 

*  Diocese  of  Meath,  vol.  i.,  pp.  195,  211  ;  vol.  ii.,  pp.  223,  403.  In  a 
letter  written  by  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  to  Dr.  Plunket,  dated  the  ]  14th  of 
December,  1794,  complaining  of  his  curate,  Rev.  Mr.  Drake,  and  asking 
for  his  removal,  he  says — "  Would  to  God  I  could  make  your  Lordship 
now  as  happy  as  I  once  attempted  to  make  you  miserable  1  May 'you  live 
long  to  direct  us. " 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  177 

length  to  your  Lordship  on  this  subject  after  he  will  have  re- 
ceived your  promised  letter  relative  to  it.  He  assured  me,  for 
your  Lordship's  information,  that  since  the  decision  of  the 
Congregation  against  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  he  has  not  received  from 
that  gentleman,  or  any  agent  of  his,  either  letter  or  anything 
else  concerning  this  dispute,  which  his  Eminence  now  considers 
as  completely  and  happily  finished.  I  have  been  assured  of 
the  same  about  a  week  ago  by  two  of  the  chief  clerks  of  the 
Congregation,  on  whom  I  waited  in  order  to  know  if  anything 
was  come  to  Propaganda  from  Mr.  Smyth,  since  I  had  spoken 
with  the  Cardinal  about  him.  One  of  these,  however,  told  me 
he  had  heard  that  Mr.  Smyth  does  mean  to  endeavour  to  in- 
duce the  Congregation  to  examine  again  what  regards  his  sus- 
pension, and  the  irregularity  that  followed  his  not  having 
obeyed  it.  I  am  of  opinion  that  his  efforts  to  this  end  will  not 
be  paid  any  attention  to  by  the  Congregation.  During  the 
progress  of  this  dispute  I  have  not,  my  Lord,  interested  myself 
in  it  more  than  what  I  conceived  to  be  the  duty  of  any  honest 
man  in  such  circumstances.  The  consideration,  indeed,  of  my 
being  a  native  of  the  diocese  of  Meath,  Avhich  your  Lordship 
so  zealously  and  respectably  governs,  was  an  additional  motive 
to  me  to  take  the  liberty  of  troubling  your  Lordship  with  my 
first  letter.  My  Lord,  impute  to  your  goodness  of  heart  the 
manner  in  which  you  are  pleased  to  express  yourself  with  re- 
gard to  my  conduct  in  this  affair 

"  The  Rev.  Michael  Hanlon,  to  whom  I  have  lately  written,  has 
informed  me  of  the  very  gracious  reception  he  met  with  from 
your  Lordship,  upon  his  having  the  honour  of  waiting  on  you 
after  his  return  to  Ireland  from  his  travels.  The  Honourable 
Mr.  Robert  Plunket  is  still  here  in  very  good  health,  and  de- 
sires me  to  remember  him  kindly  to  your  Lordship. 

"  If  Mr.  Smyth  should  write  to  the  Congregation,  I  shall 
not  fail  having  the  honour  to  inform  your  Lordship  of  it. 
Meanwhile,  wishing  your  Lordship  every  sort  of  happiness, 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"With  the  most  sincere  esteem  and  profound  respect, 

my  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient,  obliged, 
and  humble  servant, 

"  BE.  JOHN  CONNOLLY-" 
N 


178  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

On  the  25th  of  February,  1795,  the  Eev.  John  Connolly 
wrote  as  follows : — 

"  EIGHT  EEV.  SIR, 

"  Since  I  was  honoured  with  your  Lordship's  last  letter, 
dated  the  24th  of  June,  1792,  I  have  very  often  enquired  at 
Propaganda  if  Rev.  Mr.  Smyth  had  written  to  that  Congrega- 
tion anything  against  your  Lordship  since  his  solemn  retracta- 
tion of  his  unhappy  schism.  By  this  means  I  at  different  times 
became  informed  that  he  had  repeatedly  complained  of  the 
hardship  of  his  situation,  in  not  being  employed  by  your  Lord- 
ship according  to  his  wishes.  He  has  been  always  answered 
by  the  Sacred  Congregation  that  your  Lordship  was  the  proper 
person  to  judge  of  the  propriety  or  impropriety  of  employing 
him  ;  and  he  was  always  exhorted  to  continue  to  merit  your 
Lordship's  approbation  and  esteem,  by  his  submissive  and  re- 
spectful behaviour  towards  you.  I  have  been  at  length  told 
that  Cardinal  Antonelli  has  written  in  December  last  to  your 
Lordship  in  favour  of  Mr.  Smith.  I.  believe  that  some  persons 
belonging  to  the  Sacred  Congregation  do  fear  that  Mr.  Smyth 
might  be  at  length  tempted  to  take  some  very  bad  step.  I 
have  hitherto  foreborne  troubling  your  Lordship  with  an  account 
of  these  particulars,  not  thinking  them  of  any  importance  to 
your  Lordship.  I  at  present  make  bold  to  trouble  your  Lord- 
ship, in  order  to  inform  you  that  Cardinal  Antonelli  has  given 
up  the  Prefectship  of  Propaganda,  and  was  succeeded  in  it 
four  days  ago  by  Cardinal  Gerdil,  a  prelate  of  great  merit.  His 
Eminence  is  greatly  esteemed  for  his  piety,  prudence,  and  ex- 
tensive knowledge,  which  appears  in  an  eminent  degree  in  the 
many  works  he  published.  He  was  born  at  Annecy,  in  Savoy, 
in  17  J  8.  The  students  of  the  Irish  College  at  Rome  thinking, 
like  many  of  their  predecessors  within  those  fourteen  years 
last  past,  they  had  good  reason  to  be  dissatisfied  with  their 
Rector,  Abbe  Cugagni,  petitioned  Cardinal  Livizzani  for  his 
removal.  Not  being  successful  in  this  effort,  they  next  applied 
to  Cardinal  Duke  of  York,  but  were  also  unsuccessful.  Where- 
fore they  represented  their  case  to  a  Mr.  Hippesley,  a  member 
of  the  English  Parliament,  now  at  Rome.  This  gentleman, 
who  has  greatly  insinuated  himself  into  the  Pope's  favour,  by 
warmly  exerting  himself  to  bring  about  a  correspondence 
between  the  Courts  of  Rome  and  England,  has  so  zealously 
undertaken  the  cause  of  the  Irish  students,  that  he  is  likely  to 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.       •'      179 

succeed  in  his  efforts  to  have  the  Italian  rectors  removed  from 
the  English,  Irish,  and  Scotch  colleges  here,  and  national  ones 
put  in  their  place.  It  is  a  pity  that  we  have  at  present  no 
secular  priest  from  Ireland  fit  for  this  office.  Cardinals  Liviz- 
zani  and  Antonelli  are  quite  against  our  having  national  rectors 
Here. 

"  I  request  your  Lordship  will  please  to  present  my  kind 
respects  to  the  Hon.  Kobert  Plunk  et,  and  to  Eev.  Messrs. 
Hanlon  and  Coffee. 

"  I  am,  with  the  most  profound  respect  and  sincere  esteem, 

my  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient,  obliged,  and 
humble  servant, 

"  BROTHER  JOHN  CONNOLLY, 

"  Superior  of  St.  Clement's. 

"P.S. — Cardinal  Braschi,  the  Pope's  nephew,  was  lately 
made  Protector  of  England,  in  the  room  of  Cardinal  Campa- 
nelli,  lately  deceased.  Monseigneur  Zondadari  will  be  soon 
made  a  Cardinal." 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

DR.  BUTLER,  ARCHBISHOP  OF  CASH  EL. — LETTERS  TO  DR. 
PLUNKET. — LETTERS  OF  REV.  EDMUND  CORMICK  AN- 
NOUNCING THE  ILLNESS  AND  DEATH  OF  DR.  BUTLER. — 
EPITAPH. 

DR.  JAMES  BUTLER,  Archbishop  of  Cashel,  the  correspon- 
dent and  attached  friend  of  Dr.  Plunket,  descended  from 
the  noble  house  of  Ormond,  was  the  son  of  James  Butler, 
Esq.,  of  Ballyragget,*  and  was  born  in  Dublin — in  March, 
1742 — whither  his  parents  had,  a  short  time  previously, 
gone  on  a  visit.  He  studied  in  Belgium — subsequently  at 

*  In  1778,  Dr.  Butler  succeeded  to  the  family  estates,  out  of  which  he 
reserved  for  his  own  use  about  £1,000  a-year  ;  he  gave  the  remainder  to 
his  younger  brother.  For  a  more  detailed  account  of  his  life,  see  Collections, 
die.,  edited  by  Dr.  M'Carthy.  The  late  J.  Eoche,  Esq.,  Cork,  remem- 
bered having  seen  Dr.  Butler  at  his  father's  residence,  and  stated  that  he 
was  a  very  neat,  elegant  little  man  in  person  and  manners.  No  prelate 
was  ever  more  revered  and  beloved.1' — Collections,  p.  328. 


180  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Paris  and  L'Isle,  and  was  ordained  in  the  chapel  of  the 
episcopal  seminary  of  St.  Omer,  on  the  25th  of  May,  1771. 
Dr.  James  Butler,  the  aged  Archbishop  of  Cashel,  peti- 
tioned the  Holy  See  to  have  his  youthful  namesake  ap- 
pointed his  coadjutor,  and,  accordingly,  after  due  investi- 
gation, he  was  consecrated  Episcopus  Germanicopolis  and 
Coadjutor  of  Cashel,  on  the  4th  of  July,  1773.  Dr.  Butler 
became  Archbishop  of  Cashel  on  the  death  of  his  prede- 
cessor, on  the  17th  of  May,  1774,  and  received  from  the 
Pope  the  parish  of  Thurles,  for  which  he  had  petitioned, 
where  he  principally  resided  during  the  remainder  of  his 
life.  He  was,  unquestionably,  one  of  the  most  indefatigable 
prelates  of  his  generation,  and  took  a  conspicuous  part  in 
all  the  leading  ecclesiastical  and  politico-religious  ques- 
tions of  his  day.  We  may  not  subscribe  to  his  views  on 
many  matters,  but  we  cannot  withhold  admiration  at  his 
untiring  energy,  and  the  absorbing  interest  he  took  in 
everything  that  concerned  the  welfare  of  the  Church  and 
the  happiness  of  the  country.  Dr.  Butler  is  familiarly 
known  in  consequence  of  his  numerous  writings — con- 
spicuous amongst  which  are  his  celebrated  pastorals  on 
various  subjects ;  his  Cathechism,  which  has  justly  ob- 
tained a  world -wide  reputation ;  and  his  "  Justification  of 
the  Tenets  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Religion,"  in  which  he 
refuted  sundry  charges  brought  against  the  Catholic  clergy 
by  the  Protestant  Bishop  of  Cloyne. 

As  we  have  seen,  in  his  numerous  letters,  he  had  the 
most  unbounded  respect  for  Dr.  Plunket ;  and  his  feelings 
of  affection  and  esteem  were  in  every  way  reciprocated. 
A  few  letters  more,  and  these  zealous  and  learned  prelates 
part  on  earth,  to  meet,  as  we  hope  they  have  met,  in  the 
Kingdom  of  Heaven. 

On  the  19th  of  January,  1791,  Dr.  Butler  writes  from 
the  Honourable  Mr.  Brown's,  N.  G.  George's-street,  Dub- 
lin:— 

"  MY  EVER  DEAR  AND  MOST  HONOURED  LORD, 

"  I  write  just  a  few  lines,  and  I  have  not  time  to  write 
more,  to  let  your  Lordship  know  that  I  am  arrived  in  Dublin, 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DB.   PLUNKET.  181 

and  waiting  there  for  the  arrival  of  Drs.  Troy,  O'Reilly,  Delany, 
and,  I  may  add  with  truth,  Dr.  Plunket  too.  On  the  receipt  of 
this  I  hope  you  will  set  out  to  join  us.  Business  of  the  greatest 
importance  calls  for  all  our  zeal  and  exertions.  So  adieu  jusqu'  a 
wus  voir,  de  votre  grandeur, 

Le  tres  humble  &  affectionne  serviteur, 

"JACQUES  BUTLER." 

Dr.  Butler  writes  again  from  Dublin,   on  the  2nd  of 
February,  1791  : — 

"  MY  EVER  DEAR  AND  MOST  HONOURED  LORD, 

"  Though  my  answer  is  rather  too  late,  considering  what 
punctuality  of  acknowledgement  your  Lordship's  obliging  favour 
claimed  from  me,  yet  I  can  assure  your  Lordship  it  is  as  speedy 
a  one  as  I  could  possibly  send  ;  for  I  have  been  so  hurried — 
what  with  long  sittings,  receiving  and  returning  visits — that  it 
appears  to  me  a  very  happy  occurrence  that  1  can  this  night, 
before  the  post  goes,  steal  a  few  moments  to  write  to  you.  We 
had  no  metropolitan  meeting,  only  two  of  us — Dr.  Troy  and 
myself — being  here.  Dr.  Delany  is  the  only  bishop  here,  and 
he  joins  with  Dr.  Troy  and  myself  to  request  that,  as  soon  as 
your  Lordship  receives  this,  you  will  set  out  to  Dublin  to  meet 
us.  If  you  have  seen  yesterday's  Freeman's  Journal,  you  will 
find  the  extract  of  a  letter  from  Paris  that  will  please  you.  As 
I  expect  to  see  your  Lordship  at  latest  on  Saturday,  I  will  just 
add  what  your  Lordship  concludes  your  letter  to  me  with,  and 
with  no  less  sincerity, 

"  Always  the  same, 

"  JAMES  BUTLER." 

Ou  the  18th  of  February,  1791,  Dr.  Butler  writes  again 
from  Dublin  : — 

"  MY  EVER  DEAR  AND  MOST  HONOURED  LORD, 

"  I  have  more  than  once  thought  of  writing  to  your 
Lordship  since  I  heard  I  was  to  be  deprived  of  the  much  wished- 
for  pleasure  of  seeing  you  in  Dublin  ;  but  your  Lordship  knows 
so  well  the  situation  of  one  of  us,  country  bishops,  in  that  great 
city,  for  it  to  be  necessary  for  me  to  enumerate  the  many  unex- 
pected obstacles  which  arise  to  the  fulfilling  of  what  anyone 


182  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH— DR.  PLUNKET. 

proposes.  Let  it  suffice  for  me  to  tell  you  that  I  had  a  private 
audience  from  his  Excellency  and  two  from  his  secretary,  in  all 
which  I  spoke  of  the  scandalous  disturbance  in  Kells,  and  repre- 
sented it  in  the  light  your  letter  to  Mr.  Betagh  placed  it.  I 
conjured  them  to  suspend  their  judgment  about  the  barbarous 
transactions  of  F ,  in  the  county  of  Armagh ;  that  we  ex- 
pected shortly  the  most  authentic  account  from  the  titular 
Archbishop,  who  left  Dublin  on  purpose  to  enquire  into  the 
nature  of  this  cruel  deed,  and  that  I  would  take  care  to  convey 
to  them  the  most  timely  intelligence.  I  must  look  on  Mr. 
Smyth  to  be  out  of  his  senses  to  act  in  the  manner  he  has  done. 
I  feel  for  the  trouble  it  must  give  your  Lordship,  and  for  the 
general  disedification  it  cannot  but  cause.  Pretty  much  such 
another  opposition  was  given  to  a  parish  priest  I  lately  named; 
but  Almighty  God  interposed,  in  the  most  striking  manner,  for 
three  of  the  parishioners  whom  a  Protestant  gentleman  hired  to 
shut  the  chapel  doors  against  the  priest  I  had  named.  Two  of 
them  fell  into  a  coal-pit  and  were  so  bruised  as  to  die  of  the 
fall ;  the  third  came  to  a  similar  miserable  end ;  and  the  Pro- 
testant gentleman,  who  was  the  cause  of  all  the  mischief,  died 
so  suddenly  that  he  had  no  time  to  make  his  will — so  that  his 
great  estate  went  to  his  brother-in-law  ;  and  this  happened  in 
about  a  week  after  the  shutting  the  chapel.  It  made  a  sensation 
on  the  mind  of  the  whole  country,  most  favourable  to  the  worthy 
parish  priest,  who  is  your  Lordship's  acquaintance,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
W(erased).  I  impart  this  to  your  Lordship  that  you  may  avail 
yourself  of  it  as  an  undoubted  fact  I  can  vouch  for.  We  have  as 
yet  no  certain  prospect  of  anything's  being  done  for  us  this 
session  of  Parliament.  I  purpose  to  leave  town  on  Tuesday 
next,  am  sorry  to  leave  it  without  seeing  your  Lordship,  but 
hope  to  hear  from  you  on  my  arrival  in  Thurles,  that  you  have 
brought  Mr.  Smith  to  a  sense  of  his  misconduct. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  remain, 
"  With  every  sentiment  of  respect  and  esteem, 

"  My  ever  dear  and  most  honoured  Lord, 

"  Your  most  affectionate  friend  and  servant, 
"  JAMES  BUTLER." 

The  Irish  Church  was  now  about  to  lose  one  of  her 
brightest  ornaments,  in  the  person  of  one  of  her  most 
energetic  and  zealous  prelates ;  and  Dr.  Plunket  was  soon. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH- — DR.  PLUNKET.  183 

to  mourn  the  death  of  one  of  the  most  faithful  and  sincere 
friends  he  had  on  earth.  Who  does  not  feel  a  pang  of 
grief  when  one  endeared  by  a  thousand  ties  passes  away, 
leaving  behind  a  blank  which,  perhaps,  can  never  be  filled 
up  ?  It  is  really  refreshing,  in  this  heartless  and  selfish 
world,  when  friendships  are  so  often  hollow  and  short- 
lived, to  witness  how  devotedly  attached  Dr.  Plunket  and 
Dr.  Butler  were  to  each  other,  and  with  what  fervour  and 
fidelity  they  preserved  this  mutual  affection  to  the  end. 
Each  had  the  greatest  veneration  for  the  other,  and  each 
took  a  laudable  pride  in  the  merits  of  the  other. 

Amongst  the  papers  of  Dr.  Plunket  were  the  following 
letters,  written  by  the  Rev.  Edmond  Cormack,  a  secular 
priest  of  the  archdiocese  of  Cashel,  detailing  the  illness 
and  death  of  Dr.  Butler : — 

"  Thurles,  23rd  of  July,  1791. 

"  MY  EVER  DEAR  LORD, 

"  I  had  some  hopes  of  being  able  to  tell  your  Lordship 
that  his  Grace  of  Cashel,  your  dear  friend,  was  in  a  fair  way 
of  recovery,  but  I  could  delay  no  longer  from  imparting  to 
your  Lordship  the  melancholy  news  that  in  a  few  days  he  will 
be  no  more.  A  confirmed  dropsy,  accompanied  by  an  unheard 
of  violence  of  spasms  in  the  stomach,  is  the  harbinger  of  his 
dissolution.  Fatigue,  night  and  day,  anxiety,  and  grief  will,  I 
fear,  soon  oblige  me  to  follow  him  as  far  as  the  grave.  Would 
to  God  I  could  say  to  the  place  prepared  for  him.  May  the 
Lord  comfort  me.  I  recommend  myself  to  your  Lordship's 
prayers. 

"  I  am  your  Lordship's  most  afflicted  servant, 

"  EDMUND- CORMICK." 


"Thurles,  27th  of  July,  1791, 

"  Wednesday  Night. 

"  MY  EVER  DEAR  LORD, 

"  Your  dear  friend,  our  archbishop,  is  going  off  very 
fast.  He  is  still  quite  in  his  senses,  and  his  lungs  are  amazingly 
strong,  but  his  appetite  is  totally  lost.  My  next  letter  to  your 


184  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DE.  PLUNKET. 

Lordship  will,  I  fear,  announce  his  death.  He  now  feels  for 
nay  situation,  but  cannot,  he  says,  at  present  redress  me. 
God's  holy  will  be  done. 

"  I  am,  my  ever  dear  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  afflicted  servant, 

"  EDMUND  CORMICK." 

"  Thurles,  Friday  Morning,  Three  o'Clock, 
"  29th  July,  1791. 

"  MY  EVER  DEAR  LORD, 

"  Our  dearest  Archbishop  is  no  more.  He  died  about 
half-an-hour  since,  and  will  be  buried  in  Thurles.  May  the 
Lord  comfort  us. 

"  I  am  your  Lordship's  most  afflicted  servant, 

"  EDMUND  CORMICK." 
"Thurles,  17th  August,  1791. 

"  MY  EVER  DEAR  LORD, 

"  I  once  took  the  liberty  of  requesting  your  Lordship 
would  come  to  Thurles  in  order  to  assist  in  restoring  our  late 
invaluable  prelate  to  his  health,  and  such  was  your  Lordship's 
affection  for  him,  and  kind  condescension  to  my  requisition, 
that  you  did  not  hesitate  a  moment  to  come.  Can  it  be  pos- 
sible that  I  can  have  now  such  effrontery  as  to  request  your 
Lordship  will  honour  your  dear  friend's  memory  by  assisting  at 
a  solemn  office  for  him  in  Thurles,  on  Thursday,  the  1st  of 
September.  It  seems  a  just  tribute  to  the  apostolical  virtues 
he  possessed,  to  crowd  round  his  tomb  on  this  solemn  occa- 
sion, and  to  shew  by  these  external  marks  the  inward  respect 
we  bear  to  such  transcendent  merit. 

"  I  have  invited  all  the  pr slates  of  Munster  and  Leinster, 
and  I  doubt  not  of  being  able  to  bring  some  of  the  Connaught 
bishops  hither.  The  request  is  bold,  but  the  occasion  is  also 
extraordinary. 

"  I  have  been  unanimously  elected  Vicar-Capitular,  and  the 
priests  of  this  diocese  are  determined  to  postulate  very  strongly 
in  my  favour.  May  the  Supreme  Pastor,  Jesus  Christ,  be 
graciously  pleased  to  grant  us  a  person  who  may  succeed  to  the 
zeal  and  to  the  virtues,  as  well  as  to  the  dignity  of  so  great  a 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  185 

man.  I  am  resigned  to  my  fate.  Your  Lordship  apprehended 
I  would  be  left  forlorn.  God  be  praised.  My  sins  deserve 
ten  thousand  times  a  worse  fate. 

"  I  am  your  Lordship's  most  devoted  and 
ever  obliged,  humble  servant, 

"  EDMUND  CORMICK. 

"  P.S. — The  Chapter  of  this  diocese  has  unanimously  elected 
me  Vicar-Capitular,  and  will  foolishly  postulate  in  my  favour. 
On  reading  over  this  letter,  I  find  that  I  already  mentioned 
the  intelligence  conveyed  in  the  above  phrase.  Loss  of  rest, 
fatigue,  and  anxiety,  have  almost  brought  me  to  the  grave. 
Your  Lordship  will  excuse  a  poor  broken-hearted  man.  I  hope 
your  Lordship  will  not  forget  our  afflicted  diocese  in  your 
prayers." 

"Thurles,  19th  September,  1791. 

"  MY  EVER  DEAR  LORD, 

"  I  had  the  honour  of  receiving  your  Lordship's  letter 
whilst  the  respectable  prelates,  who  came  to  pay  a  just  tribute 
of  respect  to  the  memory  of  the  great  and  good  man  whom 
religion  has  lost,  were  in  Thurles.  They  were  sorry  that  they 
were  deprived  of  the  real  pleasures  which  your  company  would 
certainly  afford  them.  I  thank  your  Lordship  for  your  con- 
gratulations on  the  confidence  placed  in  me  by  the  clergy  of 
this  afflicted  diocese,  and  beg  that  you  will  assist  me  by  your 
prayers  towards  faithfully  discharging  the  important  duties  of 
my  station.  I  have  sent  off  a  very  strong  postulation  to  Rome 
in  favour  of  Doctor  Teahan.  I  have  very  strong  hopes  that  he 
will  be  appointed  to  this  See.  I  hope  all  his  friends  who 
know  his  merits  will  come  forward  on  the  occasion.  Some 
persons  thought  that  I  was  ambitious  enough  to  aim  at  being 
nominated  to  this  diocese ;  but  I  told  Drs.  Egan  and  Moylan 
that  I  would  not  accept  of  it,  if  perchance  I  had  been  nomi- 
nated. I  believe  they  have  recommended  me  to  fill  the  See  of 
the  bishop  to  be  translated. 

"  I  just  have  returned  from  Dublin,  where  Mr.  Butler  and  I 
have  administered  to  the  will  of  our  dear  late  archbishop,  and 
would  have  written  to  your  Lordship  from  that  city  had  I 
thought  of  the  lock  of  hair  which  you  required.  I  here  en- 


186  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLCJNKET. 

close  it,  and  I  will  at  a  seasonable  time  give  your  Lordship  a 
more  substantial  token  to  remember  him. 

"  I  am,  with  the  greatest  respect,  and  most  sincerely  affec- 
tionate and  devoted  attachment,  my  ever  dear  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  ever  obliged  and  faithful  servant, 

"  EDMUND  CORMICK." 

"Thurles,  December  8,  1791. 

"  MY  EVER  DEAREST  AND  MOST  HONOURED  LORD, 

"  Thro'  the  stupid  and  unpardonable  neglect  of  one  in 
my  house,  my  answer  to  your  Lordship's  most  respected  letter 
was  not  posted.  Two  of  my  young  gentlemen  got  a  fever.  I 
removed  the  others  to  the  late  dear  archbishop's  house  ;  and  on 
the  removal  the  letter  was  found.  Judge,  my  dear  Lord,  of 
my  uneasiness.  I  am  happy,  however,  at  the  thought  of  being 
judged  at  your  Lordship's  tribunal,  where  I  expect  to  find 
tenderness  and  compassion  for  a  blunderer.  As  I  prize  nothing 
more  than  the  honour  of  your  Lordship's  correspondence,  so 
nothing  would  give  me  more  uneasiness  than  the  fear  of  losing 
it.  I  shall  ever  most  gratefully  remember  the  honourable 
mention  your  Lordship  was  pleased  to  make  of  me,  and  I  most 
solemnly  promise  that  I  will,  in  whatever  situation  of  life  I 
may  be  placed,  endeavour  by  my  conduct  to  bear  testimony  to 
your  commendation. 

"  Our  province  is  hushed  in  silent  expectation  of  an  arch- 
bishop. It  cannot  be  possible  that  Home  will  refuse  the  postu- 
lation  of  the  bishops  of  this  province  ;  if  not,  Dr.  Teahan  will 
be  named.  I  have  sent  in  his  favour  a  very  strong  postulation 
from  this  diocese. 

"  No  plan  of  domestic  education  has  been  as  yet  established 
in  this  province.  Something  must  be  done  in  order  to  supply 
the  loss  of  foreign  seminaries. 

"  I  have  found  all  your  Lordship's  letters,  and  cannot  prevail 
on  myself  to  burn  them.  I  shall  very  carefully  keep  them  until 
I  have  the  honour  of  seeing  your  Lordship.  If  Dr.  Teahan  be 
appointed  to  the  government  of  this  province,  it  will  seem  neces- 
sary to  usher  him  in  with  dignity,  and  I  know  nothing  that 
would  adorn  his  entry  amongst  us  more  than  your  Lordship's 
presence.  This  province,  my  dear  Lord,  is  devotedly  attached 


THE  BISHOPS   OF  MEATH — DE.   PLUNKET.  187 

to  your  Lordship,  and  I  venture  to  say  that  no  man  on  earth  is 
more  so  than  I  am. 

"  Last  night  I  received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Conway  requesting 
my  opinion  concerning  the  inflammatory  declaration  of  the  R.  C. 
in  Dublin. 

"  Several  copies  of  the  declaration  have  been  sent  to  Limerick 
in  order  to  spread  the  contagion.  He  has  set  his  face  against 
them.  He  hopes  the  prelates  of  the  nation — those  of  this  pro- 
vince in  partipular — will  use  their  most  strenuous,  but  prudent 
efforts  to  save  their  respective  flocks  from  the  infection. 
Unanimity  if  ever  is  now  wanting.  If  your  Lordship  has 
turned  this  business  in  your  mind,  I  will  humbly  request  your 
sentiments  thereon.  I  fear  much  that  Government  apprehends 
a  coalition  between  the  R  C.  and  the  Presbyterians,  and  will, 
in  consequence,  refuse  to  grant  further  favours  for  the  present. 
The  Whiteboys  have  already  begun  their  nightly  meetings 
near  Cork.  Four  of  them  have  been  taken,  but  were  imme- 
diately bailed  out.  Should  the  necessity  of  the  times  require 
it,  I  will  call  a  meeting  of  the  respectable  Catholics  of  this 
diocese,  and  publish  their  sentiments  of  loyalty  and  attachment 
to  his  Majesty's  person  and  Government.  I  will  cautiously  wait 
for  the  necessary  moment.  I  have  the  heartiest  satisfaction  in 
telling  your  Lordship  that  this  diocese  and  parish  are  in  the 
most  flourishing  state  of  religion,  and  that  I  have  extinguished 
a  great  fire  kindled  in  Roscrea,  &c.,  by  the  priest  and 
parishioners  appealing  to  me  from  a  suspension  and  interdict. 
I  went  to  Nenagh  in  order  to  meet  the  bishop  and  other  parties 
interested,  and  was  happy  in  having  so  much  influence  over 
them  as  to  make  peace  between  them.  I  warmly  spoke  to  them 
on  the  agonizing  state  of  religion  in  other  kingdoms,  &c. 

"  I  am,  with  the  most  unlimited  respect, 
"  Your  Lordship's  ever  devoted  and  most  obliged  servant, 

"  EDMUND  CORMICK. 

"  P.S. — The   enclosed  was   a  favourite  picture   of  Doctor 
Butler's." 

In  the  diary  of  Dr.  Plunket  the  death  of  Dr.  Butler  is 
entered  as  follows :  — 

"July  29th,  1791— Died  this  morning,  at  half-past  two,  Dr. 
Butler,  Archbishop  of  Cashel." 


188  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

The  great  prelate  was  buried  with  due  honour  and  cele- 
bration in  the  chapel  of  Thurles,  and  over  his  remains  a 
monument  has  been  erected  with  the  following  epitaph*  : 

i.  H.  s. 

Hie  jacent  reliquiae 

Illustrissimi  ac  Kevmi,  D.D.,  Jacobi  Butler 

De  nobilissima  Ormondise  stirpe  oriundi, 

Qui  spretis  mundi  illecebris 

Deo  se  totum  dicavit, 

Archiepiscopus  Casseliensis  reluctans  consecratus, 

Provinciam  Momonise  per  septem  decem  annos 

Pietate,  scientia,  et  zelo  apostolico 

Rexit  et  instruxit 

Deo,  Regi,  Patriaeque 

Debita  persolvens  officia, 

Vere  philanthropos,  subditus  et  pastor 

Praesulum  decus  dulce,  et  exemplar 

Plorat  lieu  !  mortuum  tristis  religio, 

Dum  patrem  jugiter   plorant  gemitibus 

Viduae,  orphani,  miseri  omnes, 
Quorum  ille  sortis  miserens  dolendae 

Illos  sibi  constituit  hseredes, 

Felix  Momonia  !  tantis  virtutibus 

Ornata,  Praesulis  semper  memento 

Cordis    gratissimi   studio    prosequi, 

Quern   morte   iniqua    dixisses   abreptum 

Ni  Deus  ilium  remunerari  properasset 
Animam  Deo  reddidit  die  29  Julii,  A.D.  1791, 

^Etatis  suas  50. 
In  memoria  asterna  sit.     Amen. 


*  Collections,  p.  355. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  189 

CHAPTER  XVII. 
1791. 

LETTER  OF  LORD  FINGAL  TO  DR.  PLUNKET. — OF  DR.  TROY'S 
SECRETARY. — OF  REV.  MR.  WALSH,  OF  PARIS. — FROM  SOME 
MEATH  STUDENTS  IN  PARIS. — SUPERANNUATION  OF  THE 
PARISH  PRIEST  OF  DULEEK. — FROM  REV.  MR.  WALSH.— 
FROM  SAME. — FROM  REV.  DR.  KEARNEY. — FROM  SAME. — 
CURIOUS  LETTER  FROM  A  PARSON,  WITH  DR.  PLUNKET's 
REPLY. 

LORD  FINGAL  writes  from  Killeen  Castle,  on  the  10th  of 
January,  1791  : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  As  it  is  uncertain,  by  your  Lordship's  obliging  note  to 
Lady  Fingall,  when  we  may  have  the  pleasure  of  enjoying  your 
Lordship's  company,  I  am  requested  by  Lord  Dunsany  to  remit 
the  enclosed  note  to  your  Lordship,  since  he  is  uncertain 
whether  he  may  be  at  Dunsany,  when  your  time  may  permit 
you  to  indulge  us  with  your  company,  as  he  purposes  shortly  to 
go  over  to  England  or  Scotland  with  his  son.  His  Lordship 
mentioned  nothing  more  than  that  he'd  be  obliged  to  me  to  have 
it  delivered  safe  to  you,  which  I  promised  him  1  would. 

"  We  were  rejoiced  to  be  assured  that  your  Lordship  was  free 
from  colds,  and  in  perfect  health.  I  imagine  you  are  well  in- 
formed how  the  Committee  is  going  on  in  Dublin.  I  every  day 
wish  there  was  more  unanimity,  and  less  pamphleteering,  as 
there  is  no  doubt  but  advantage  will  be  taken  of  the  least  dis- 
sension to  prevent  any  further  hope  of  relief  from  penal  laws 
that  are  disgraceful  to  society ;  and  what  I  dread  will  be  the 
case  if  they  continue  to  go  on  as  they  have  done  of  late,  and 
fear  it  has  been  brought  on  greatly  by  K's  overzeal  and  con- 
tempt for  many  of  the  members  who  form  the  Committee. 

"  Lady  Fingall,  Lady  Teresa,  and  Mrs.  Dease  request  to  unite 
with  me  in  best  respects  and  sincerest  wishes  of  the  enjoyment 
of  many  many  happy  returns  of  the  revolving  seasons.  .  .  . 

"  Believe  me,  with  sincere  regard  and  esteem,  my  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

"  FINGALL." 


190  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNK  ET. 

The  following  letter,  dated  Dublin,  March  3rd,  1791, 
was  written  by  Dr.  Troy's  secretary : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  I  have  it  in  command  from  Doctor  Troy  to  forward 
the  enclosed  letters  to  your  Lordship,  and  am  likewise  charged 
to  inform  you  that  he  is  of  opinion  that  an  official  joint  letter 
signed  by  your  Lordship  and  himself  will  answer  the  purpose 
specified  by  Dr.  Flood.  If  this  measure  shall  meet  your  Lord- 
ship's approbation,  he  requests  you  will  take  the  trouble  of 
writing  the  letter,  and  sending  it  to  him,  along  with  the  enclosed 
papers,  as  soon  as  convenient  to  your  Lordship. 

"  I  sincerely  lament  the  unhappy  disturbances  that  have  lately 
taken  place  in  your  diocese,  and  doubly  so  that  they  are  caused 
by  a  person  whom  I  have  been  always  accustomed  to  hold  in 
the  highest  esteem.  I  once  thought  it  impossible  that  he  could 
tear  from  his  breast  that  profound  respect  which  he  ever  pro- 
fessed to  have  for  your  Lordship. 

"  I  remain,  my  Lord, 
"  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

"  WILLIAM  RUSSELL. 

"  P.S. — Dr.  Troy  wishes  to  have  Dr.  Kearney  joined  in  the 
administration  of  the  burses  with  Dr.  Walsh." 

Dr.  John  Walsh,  Superior  of  the  College  of  the  Lom- 
bards, Paris,  writes  on  the  18th  of  April,  1791 : — 

p   "  MY  LORD, 

"  I  beg  leave  to  refer  your  Lordship  to  his  Grace  of  Dub- 
lin for  a  detail  of  the  local  events  which  put  the  students  of  this 
house  under  the  cruel  necessity  of  finishing  their  education  in  a 
more  Catholic  country.  Messrs.  Killen  and  Ganly  have  happily 
finished  their  course,  and  will  set  off  immediately.  Messrs. 
O'Reilly  and  M'Mahon  expect  from  your  Lordship's  benevolence 
that  they'll  be  appointed  to  the  Laon  burses,  which  would 
enable  them  to  continue  their  studies.  I  have  earnestly  soli- 
cited his  Grace  of  Dublin  to  prevail  on  your  Lordship  to  honour 
us  with  your  presence,  and  hope  I  shall  soon  have  the  satisfac- 
tion to  see  you.  A  deputy  or  two  from  the  prelatic  body  are 
muck  wanting  here. 

'•  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  profound  respect, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

"  WALSH." 


THE  BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET.  191 

On  the  same  sheet  of  paper  as  that  which  contained  Dr. 
Walsh's  letter,  was  the  following  appeal  from  some  Meath 
students : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  To  furnish  you  with  a  more  ample  detail  of  our  griev- 
ances in  Lombard  at  present,  than  that  given  by  our  superior 
to  his  Grace  of  Dublin,  would  be  almost  impracticable,  nay, 
dangerous,  for  the  moment.  We,  therefore,  hope  your  Lordship 
will  be  sufficiently  sensible  of  our  distressed  situation  when  in- 
formed that  the  municipal  officers  have  debarred  us  from  cele- 
brating in  any  church  or  private  chapel  without  a  special  licence 
from  our  intruded  and  anticanonical  prelate,  whose  jurisdiction 
we  must  disavow,  under  pain  of  incurring  the  censure  of  the 
legitimate  archbishop.  In  this  critical  situation,  we  expect 
your  Lordship  will  vouchsafe  to  nominate  us  to  the  Laon  burses, 
after  the  departure  of  Messrs.  Fagan  and  Coffy,  as  also  to  a 
Dublin  burse,  vacant  these  eighteen  months  past.  We  know 
the  concurrence  of  the  Prelate  of  Dublin  would  be  necessary  for 
the  alienation  of  the  third  burse  ;  but  as  his  Grace  is  not  re- 
solved to  appoint  any  person  to  it,  we,  at  the  same  time,  doubt 
not  but  a  word  from  your  Lordship  will  obtain  his  consent. 
The  greater  part  of  our  subjects  have  disposed  of  their  little 
effects,  and  are  resolved  to  set  off  immediately.  We  expect 
your  Lordship  will  condescend  to  favour  us  immediately  with 
a  letter  of  instruction.  Messrs.  Killen  and  Ganly,  who  natter 
themselves  with  the  hopes  of  your  Lordship's  reception  in  the 
course  of  a  few  days,  join  us  hi  sentiments  of  affection  and  obe- 
dience to  your  Lordship. 

"  JOHN  REILLT, 
"  C.  EEILLY, 

"  P.  M'MAHON. 
"Paris,  April  18th,  1791." 

The  Rev.  John  Purfield,  the  aged  Pastor  of  Duleek, 
wishing  to  retire  from  the  cares  and  responsibilities  of  the 
mission,  and  to  prepare  more  securely  for  the  long  home 
of  eternity,  resigned  his  parish  into  the  hands  of  Dr.  Plun- 
ket,  and  signed  the  following  attestation : — 

"  I,  undersigned,  considering  my  infirmities  and  old  age,  do 
hereby  purely  and  simply  resign  into  the  hands  of  the  K.  E. 


192  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Doctor  Plunket,  E.  C.  Bishop  of  Meath,  the  parish  of  Duleek, 
with  its  appurtenances  ;  as  -witness  my  hand  this  30th  day  of 
May,  1791. 

"  JOHN  PURFIELD. 
"  Witness  present, 

"  NICHOLAS  PURFIELD,  V.F. 
"  PETER  O'REILLY,  Secretary." 

Dr.  Plunket  ratified  the  above,  and  put  on  record  the 
following  arrrangement : — 

"  Rev.  John  Purfield,  parish  priest  of  Duleek,  having  from 
motives  of  piety  and  religion,  suggested  by  the  consideration  of 
old  age  and  increasing  infirmity,  resigned  purely  and  simply 
into  our  hands  said  parish  of  Duleek,  with  its  appurtenances, 
We,  Patrick  Joseph,  Komaii  Catholic  Bishop  of  Meath,  desirous 
at  once  to  appoint  a  worthy  successor  to  the  said  Eev.  John 
Purfield,  and  to  make  a  reasonable  provision  for  him  during 
the  decline  of  life,  do  hereby  nominate  and  constitute  in  his 
room  the  Eev.  John  Kearney  parish  priest  of  Duleek  aforesaid, 
with  the  obligation  of  paying  to  the  said  Kev.  John  Purfield 
yearly,  during  his  natural  life,  the  sum  of  twenty  guineas,  to 
be  remitted  to  said  Rev.  John  Purfield,  in  two  payments  of 
ten  guineas  each,  at  the  expiration  of  each  half  year.  Witness 
our  hand  at  Navan,  this  30th  day  of  May,  1791. 

"  %f  PATRICK  JOSEPH  PLUNKET, 

"  Roman  Catholic  Bishop  of  Meath." 

The  Hev.  John  Kearney,  who  had  been  translated  from 
the  parish  of  Kilberry,  signed  the  following  : — 

"  I,  undersigned,  gratefully  accept  the  above  appointment, 
subject  to  the  said  obligation,  of  paying  to  the  Eev.  John 
Purfield  the  sum  of  twenty  guineas  yearly,  to  be  remitted  to 
him  in  two  payments  of  ten  guineas  each  at  the  expiration  of 
each  half-year  during  his  natural  life  :  as  witness  my  hand  this 
this  thirtieth  day  of  May,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
ninety-one. 

"  JOHN  KEARNEY. 
"  Witness  present, 

"  NICHOLAS  PURFIELD,  V.F. 
"  PETER  O'EEILLY,  Sec." 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  193 

On  the  2nd  of  June,  1791,  Dr.  Walsh,  Superior  of  the 
Irish  College  of  the  Lombards,  writes  to  Dr.  Plunket : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"I  have  been  duly  honoured  with  your  Lordship's 
favour  of  the  29th  April,  and  his  Grace  of  Dublin  has  since 
authorized  me  to  present  Rev.  C.  Reilly  to  the  Chancellor,  who 
inscribed  him  on  his  Register  the  25th  May,  a  few  hours  before 
his  removal  from  that  office.  I  have  proposed  to  his  Grace  of 
Dublin  the  means  of  preventing  the  re-union  of  all  exterior 
foundations  to  the  Episcopal  Seminary,  where  they  would  be 
lost  to  the  mission,  because  no  student  of  our  nation  could 
frequent  that  heterodox  school. 

"  I  beg  leave  to  recommend  to  your  paternal  attention  Rev. 
Messrs.  Killen  and  Ganley,  who  share  in  a  high  degree  my 
esteem  and  particular  affection  for  the  Meathians.  Those 
gentlemen  preferred  close  application  to  country  excursions, 
and  they  are  consequently  well  prepared,  I  hope,  for  the  mission. 
They  have  been  very  exemplary  and  dear  to  their  superiors  and 
confreres,  on  account  of  their  social  and  sacerdotal  qualities. 
Mr.  Killen  has  constantly  headed  our  choir,  and  Mr.  Ganley 
directed  the  ceremonies  on  every  important  occasion.  My 
best  wishes  attend  them,  and  I  shall  be  happy  to  he?r  of  their 
success,  which  I  have  every  reason  to  hope  for  from  their  zeal, 
docility,  and  cheerful  submission  to  your  Lordship's  directions. 
I  am  sorry  that  the  proposed  deputation  of  prelates  has  been 
reprobated.  No  exterior  solicitation  was  necessary ;  their 
mission  would  have  been  confined  to  interior  regulations  and 
discipline,  which  they  alone  could  introduce  and  enforce. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  respect,  my  Lord, 
"  Your  Lordship's  most  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

"  WALSH." 

On  the  14th  of  July,  same  year,  Dr.  Walsh  wrote 
again : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  I  have  given  his  Grace  of  Dublin  occasional  intelligence 
of  the  danger  to  which  the  Barnwall  and  Fagan  burses  were- 
exposed.  I  have  the  satisfaction  to  announce  to  your  Lord- 
ship that  they  are  now  happily  rescued  from  the  Episcopal 

O 


194  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH— DR.  PLUNKET. 

Seminary.      I  beg  leave  to  refer  to  his  Grace  for  the  detail  of 
proceedings  on  this  occasion. 

"  We  have  been  much  surprised  here  at  a  report,  which  was 
industriously  propagated  in  Ireland — that  of  my  deviating  from 
canonical  authority,  and  swallowing  the  constitutional  pill. 
Thank  God,  I  am  innocent  of  this  foul  imputation,  and 
I  trust  that  the  prelates  on  whom  the  vile  calumniator  dared 
to  impose  will  bring  him  to  condign  punishment.  I  have  been 
personally  acquainted  with  Rev.  Mr.  Coffy,  during  a  vacation 
spent  in  this  house,  and  have  had  favourable  accounts  of  his 
conduct  in  Laon.  I  therefore  beg  leave  to  recommend  him  to 
your  paternal  attention. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  respect,  my  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  devoted  servant, 

"  WALSH." 


On  the  14th  of  July,  1791  the  Rev.  Dr.  Kearney* 
writes  from  Paris  : — 

"  MY  LORD  AND  HONOURED  FRIEND, 

"  Nothing  has  remained  free  from  the  evil  influence  of 
our  famous  revolution.  It  seems  to  have  interrupted  the  com- 
merce of  thought  and  feelings  between  friends.  Their  mutual 
correspondence  has  been  intercepted,  and  their  minds  totally 
taken  up,  at  least  in  these  quarters,  with  the  various  subjects 
of  alarm  that  daily  disturbed  their  tranquillity  ;  but  it  is  to  be 
supposed  that  their  hearts  have  resisted  this  general  attack. 
I  can  answer  for  my  own,  and  assure  you  that  it  never  ceased 
a  moment  to  feel  for  you  the  same  very  warm  regard  it  always 
glowed  with,  and  that  time  or  circumstance  have  wrought  in  it 
no  other  change  than  that  of  its  acquiring  daily  a  new  degree  of 
attachment  for  you. 

"  You  will  receive  this  letter  thro'  the  hands  of  Mr.  Coffy. 
Though  he  did  not  live  immediately  in  this  house  since  his 
return  from  Ireland,  I  know  how  he  passed  his  time,  and  I  am 
satisfied  that  nothing  but  what  is  good  can  be  said  of  him. 
He  was  always  studious  and  strictly  attached  to  his  spiritual 


*  The  Eev.  Charles  Kearney,  D.D.,  was  superior  of  a   community 'of 
Irish  clergy,  rue  du  Cheval  vert  a  Paris. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  195 

duties.  His  desire  of  answering  his  new  obligations  corres- 
ponds with  his  other  good  sentiments.  I  am  convinced  he 
will  merit  your  friendship  and  confidence. 

"  He  will  be  able  to  give  you  an  account  of  the  very  dismal 
situation  of  this  country — religion  lost — impiety  triumphing— 
the  Sees  occupied  by  schismatic,  immoral,  irregularly  consecrated 
bishops — the  true  ones  dispersed,  persecuted,  outlawed — parishes 
abandoned  to  wolves — the  true  pastors  obliged  to  hide  them- 
selves— the  churches  deserted — everything,  in  a  word,  that  hell 
can  invent  put  into  execution  to  discourage  the  faithful  and 
absolutely  overturn  religion.  I  have  not  time  to  say  much 
more.  Our  house  is  quiet 

"  May  heaven  preserve  you  for  the  good  of  religion  and  the 
happiness  of  your  friends — amongst  whom  ranks 

"  C.  KEARNEY." 

The  following  letter  will  be  read  now  with  interest.  It 
appears  almost  incredible,  only  that  it  is  so  true,  that  the 
exactions  of  the  Protestant  clergy  were  so  audacious, 
even  at  the  close  of  the  last  century  : — 

"Kilcoursey,  Clara,  December  18th,  1791. 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  I  shall  take  the  liberty  to  state  to  your  Lordship  a 
matter  to  which  I  am  persuaded  you  will  give  the  most  imme- 
diate attention.  You  are  not  unacquainted  with  the  right  that 
Protestant  clergymen  enjoy  of  receiving  half-a-crown  from  the 
parish  priest  on  every  marriage  they  celebrate.  In  pursuance 
of  this  right,  I  have  demanded  payment  from  Mr.  Daly,  who 
says  that  Mr.  Travers  is  parish  priest,  and  that  I  should  make 
the  application  to  him.  I  intend  to  appropriate  the  money 
which  I  shall  receive  on  this  account  to  the  relief  of  the  poor 
on  our  list,  the  majority  of  whom  are  Roman  Catholics.  I 
therefore  request  you  will  inform  me  whether  Mr.  Daly  or 
Mr.  Travers  is  to  be  applied  to,  and  also  that  you  will  have 
the  goodness  to  let  me  have  a  letter  to  one  of  them,  as  I  should 
feel  great  reluctance  in  pursuing  any  measure  that  might  prove 
disagreeable  to  them. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be  your  most  obedient  servant, 

"  CHARLES  EMILIUS  BAGOT." 


196  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

To  this  letter,  Dr.  Plunket  sent  the  following  cautious 
and  polite  reply : — 

"Navan,  December  26,  1791. 

"  EEVEREND  SIR, 

"  On  my  return  from  an  excursion  in  this  neighbour- 
hood, I  found  at  my  lodgings  your  letter  of  the  18th  instant, 
in  which  you  assert  your  right  of  receiving  half-a-crown  from  the 
p.  priest  on  every  marriage  he  celebrates.  If  the  law  of  the  land 
obliges  the  p.  priest  to  collect  this  money  for  you,  and  to  pay  it  into 
your  hands,  you  are  perfectly  free  to  enforce  it.  I  can  have  no 
objection  to  the  measures  you  may  judge  proper  to  pursue  for 
that  purpose.  But  if  no  such  law  exists,  you  will  not,  I  hope, 
think  unfavourably  of  Rev.  Mr.  Daly,  who  acts  for  Rev.  Mr. 
Travers,  should  he  decline  a  proctorship  which  could  not  but 
render  him  odious  to  the  flock  entrusted  to  his  care.  Your 
humane  disposition  towards  the  poor,  without  distinction,  do 
honour  to  your  feelings,  and  challenge  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Daly 
every  assistance  he  can  give. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  Reverend  Sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

"  &  P.  J.  PLUNKET. 
"  To  the  Rev.  Charles  Emilius  Bagot, 
"  Kilcoursey,  Clara." 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 
1792—4. 

LETTER  OF  DR.  KEARNEY,  DESCRIBING  THE  FRENCH  REVO- 
LUTION.— RESOLUTIONS  OF  THE  ULSTER  BISHOPS. — LET- 
TER OF  MR.  AWLY  MAGAWLY,  OF  TEMORA. 

ON  the  2nd  of  September,  1792,  Dr.  Kearney  writes  from 
Paris  to  Dr.  Plunket : — 

"  MY  DEAR  LORD  AND  FRIEND, 

"  From  the  public  papers  you  must  have  heard  of  our 
second  revolution,  that  happened  here  the  tenth  ultimo.  It 
was  by  far  a  more  bloody  one  than  that  of  '89.  The  new  con- 
stitution was  that  day  quite  overturned.  Hence  the  kingdom 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  197 

is  now  divided  into  three  parties — those  who  call  for  the  re- 
turn of  the  old  monarchy,  all  abuses  corrected,  those  who 
would  wish  to  adopt  the  constitution  as  formed  by  the  first 
Assembly,  and  those  who  are  determined  to  dethrone  the 
king.  This  last  is  the  actually  reigning  party ;  it  is  most 
despotic  indeed ;  no  man  dares  to  say  a  word  against  them. 
The  strictest  inquisition  is  made  use  of  to  find  out  such  as  may 
be  opposite  to  their  system.  Such  as  are  suspected  are  cast 
into  prison,  and  it  is  said  that  this  day  all  the  prisoners  have 
been  murdered.  The  accounts  of  the  success  of  the  enemy  on 
the  frontiers  have  exasperated  the  minds  of  the  capital.  It  is 
to  be  feared  that  they  will  be  revenged  on  such  as  they  think 
anyways  attached  to  former  principles.  In  a  word,  the  situa- 
tion we  are  in  is  desperate  beyond  expression.  Men,  women, 
and  children  are,  under  pain  of  death,  to  march  out  to  meet 
the  enemy,  and  to  act  according  to  their  respective  abilities — the 
men  of  any  strength  to  fight ;  the  weak,  and  women,  to  dig  up 
entrenchments.  No  besieged  town  was  ever  under  such  real 
apprehensions.  As  to  religion,  the  Catholic  especially  is  pro- 
scribed, and  all  exterior  marks  of  it  suppressed.  No  baptismal 
register  to  be  kept — that  sacrament  being  no  longer  looked  on 
as  necessary  for  occupying  any  place.  A  register  is  to  be  kept 
by  a  municipal  officer  to  ascertain  the  child's  birth  such  a  day, 
and  its  being  owned  by  such  a  father  and  mother.  Marriage 
is  decreed  dissoluble,  in  what  cases  is  not  yet  assigned.  No 
more  exterior  ceremony  for  burials — the  corpse  to  be  car- 
ried in  a  carriage  to  the  grave,  accompanied  by  one  clergy- 
man only — all  processions  put  an  end  to.  In  a  short  time, 
perhaps,  Mass  will  be  abolished.  No  ecclesiastical  dress 
to  be  worn  outside  doors.  All  priests  that  have  not  taken  the 
oath  were  taken,  locked  up  in  different  monasteries,  and  are  to 
be  gradually  transported.  Their  fate  is  truly  deplorable.  No 
better  citizens  can  there  be  in  any  country,  and  yet  no  people 

so  persecuted 

"  I  think  that  two  or  three  houses  might  be  established  in 
Ireland  for  such  as  are  intended  for  the  Church.  Funds  could 
be  sent  over  yearly  from  France,  whither  it  will  be  for  many 
years  improper  to  send  persons  for  ecclesiastical  education.  A 
few  boys  of  talent  may  be  sent  over  for  classical  education,  and 
the  study  of  languages,  then  sent  home  to  pursue  the  study  of 
Theology.  I  recommend  this  to  your  reflection. 

"C.  K." 


198  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET. 

Amongst  the  papers  of  Dr.  Plunket,  I  found  the  follow- 
ing Memorandum,  written  with  great  care,  in  his  own 
handwriting,  although  having  no  signatures  underneath: — 

"Drogheda,  6th  August,  1794. 

"  The  metropolitan  and  suffragan  prelates  of  the  province  of 
Armagh  are  of  opinion  that,  in  order  to  accomplish  the  important 
purpose  of  national  education  for  the  Eoman  Catholic  youth  of 
Jreland,  a  licence  should  be  solicited  for  the  endowment  of  diocesan 
schools,  provincial  seminaries,  and  of  a  national  establishment.  Such 
licence,  once  obtained,  they  think,  with  all  due  deference  to  their 
M.M.RK.  and  R.RRR  colleagues  of  the  other  provinces,  that 
the  following  means  may  with  propriety  be  adopted  :— 

"  1°.  Each  bishop  will  contribute  ten  guineas  annually. 

"  2°.  Each  prelate  will  appropriate  a  share  of  the  dispensa- 
tion money  to  the  general  fund  that  is  to  be  collected. 

"  3°.  An  annual  collection  shall  be  made  by  each  parish 
throughout  the  province  by  the  respective  pastor. 

"  4°.  Each  rev.  pastor  will  contribute  at  least  one  guinea  per 
annum. 

"  5°.  The  more  respectable  R  Catholics  shall  be  applied  to 
in  each  parish  for  annual  subscriptions. 

"  6°.  Each  student,  who  shall  resort  to  the  diocesan  schools, 
provincial  seminaries,  or  national  establishment,  shall  pay  a 
moderate  yearly  pension. 

"  Resolved — That  the  R  C.  metropolitan  and  suffragan  pre- 
lates of  the  province  of  Armagh  shall  continue  most  earnestly 
to  exhort  the  rev.  pastors  of  our  respective  districts  to  perse- 
vere as  usual  in  their  zealous  endeavours  to  promote  peace, 
subordination,  allegiance,  and  loyalty  among  the  people  com- 
mitted to  their  spiritual  care." 

On  the  24th  of  April,  1794,  Mr.  Awly  Magawly  wrote 
from  the  family  mansion  of  Temora,  parish  of  Frankford, 
King's  county : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  Permit  me  to  present  you  with  Mrs.  Magawly's  and 
my  sincere  congratulations  on  the  good  health  you  have  enjoyed 
during  a  long  and  laborious  visitation,  and  on  the  tranquillity 
your  country  is  restored  to,  notwithstanding  the  gloomy  aspect 
it  lately  bore.  With  pleasure  I  embrace  the  opportunity  of 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  199 

writing  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  O'Leary — nominated  to  a  burse  at 
Louvain,  by  Colonel  Browne,  who  is  to  meet  him  here  next 
Sunday  night,  to  perfect  and  give  him  the  necessary  forms  and 
information.  The  Colonel  shewed  me  Abbe  Tyrell's  Will  be- 
queathing him  this  right,  and  he  purposes  collecting  the  papers 
relative  to  it,  leaving  them  with  me,  and  assigning  to  me  his 
power  during  his  absence,  that  proper  subjects  may  have  the 
benefit  of  the  foundation.  I  have  every  reason  to  hope  that 
Mr.  O'Leary  will  do  credit  to  my  first  interference,  and  prove 
an  acquisition  to  the  Church ;  and,  therefore,  take  the  liberty 
of  requesting  your  Lordship  will  have  the  goodness  to  recom- 
mend him  to  the  President,  that  he  may  meet  a  kinder  recep- 
tion, and  be  treated  with  particular  regard.  Your  friends  in 
this  part  of  the  diocese  are  all  well.  It  will  be  only  doing  jus- 
tice to  consider  each  of  this  family  amongst  the  warmest  of 
them. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  profound  respect  and  true 

attachment,  my  Lord, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and  most  humble  servant, 

"AWLY  MAGAWLY." 


CHAPTER  XIX. 
1795. 

LETTER  OF  THE  MOST  REV.  DR.  TROY. — LETTER  OF  LORD 
FINGALL. — LETTERS  FROM  DR.  TROY. — LETTER  FROM  LORD 
FINGALL. 

ON  the  7th  of  May,  1795,  Dr.  Troy,  Archbishop  of  Dublin, 
writes  from  Dublin  to  Dr.  Plunket : — 

^  MY  DEAR  LORD, 

"  From  the  necessity  I  am  under  of  writing  many  letters 
by  this  post,  I  can  only  mention  that  our  clerical  bill  was  com- 
mitted last  night,  and  is  to  pass  the  Lords  this  evening.  A 
clause  has  been  added,  requiring  the  confirmation  of  the  Lord 
Lieutenant  to  ratify  all  acts  of  the  trustees,  not  concerning  re- 
ligion or  ecclesiastical  discipline.  £8,000  are  granted  as  a 
beginning.  Thus  have  our  liberality  petitioners  been  defeated. 
God  forgive  and  mend  them.  I  believe  not  one  of  them  would 
be  appointed  trustee;  though,  for  peace  sake,  I  wished  Mr. 


200  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Byrne  might.  They  have  excluded  themselves  from  that  honour 
by  signing  the  petition  against  the  bill.  Sir  Thomas  French 
has  been  substituted  for  Mr.  O'Brien.  I  did  not  expect  this, 
and  am  concerned  at  it,  as  I  am  sure  it  will  give  offence,  and  a 
commercial,  good  Catholic  would  render  service.  Sir  Thomas 
must  be  a  favourite  at  the  Castle,  perhaps  because  he  very  pro- 
perly withdrew  from  the  committee.  It  is  said  his  mother  is  to 
be  created  a  peeress.  The  public  prints  will  inform  your  Lord- 
ship of  the  expected  fate  of  the  general  Catholic  question,  and 
of  Dr.  Diegnan's  usual  misrepresentations.  I  never  had  a  con- 
ference with  him  on  any  religious  subjects,  and  cannot  conceive 
what  he  meant  by  the  Cathechism  and  a  letter  from  me.  His 
assurance  in  stating  falsehood  is  astonishing.  Our  philosophical 
orators  in  Francis-street  have  injured  a  good  cause.  Friends 
and  enemies  equally  condemned  their  violent  proceedings.  The 
former  could  only  say,  and  they  said  truly,  that  the  Catholic 
body  was  sound,  and  ought  not  to  suffer  for  the  intemperance 
of  self-created  leaders. 

"  Be  assured  I  am, 

"  With  respectful  attachment  and  esteem, 
"  My  dear  Lord,  most  faithfully  yours, 

"  J.  TROY." 

On  the  9th  of  May,  1795,  the  Right  Honourable  the 
Earl  of  Fingall  writes  from  Killeen  Castle  : — 

"  MY  DEAR  LORD, 

"  The  uniform  good  wishes  you  have  always  been  kind 
enough  to  express,  and  the  friendly  interest  you  have  taken, 
since  our  first  acquaintance,  in  every  event  that  regarded  this 
family,  will  not  permit  me  to  forego  the  pleasure  of  communi- 
cating to  your  Lordship  that,  on  Thursday  last,  my  claim  to  the 
title  of  Fingall,  &c.,  was  established  by  an  unanimous  resolu- 
tion of  the  House  of  Lords.  This  business  had  been  put.  off 
on  Monday,  the  day  first  appointed,  as  many  of  the  peers,  I 
hope  from  their  inclination  to  hear  liberality,  though,  unfortu- 
nately not  to  see  it  prevail,  were  that  day  taken  up  attending 
the  Catholic  question  in  the  Commons. 

"  Your  Lordship  will  readily  conceive  that  I  must  find  no 
small  source  for  anxiety  now  removed  ;  indeed  the  only  alloy 
.to  my  present  satisfaction  is  the  reflection  that  all  those  to 
whom  this  event  would  have  been  both  so  flattering  and  agree- 
able were  not  permitted  to  see  the  time  of  its  completion.  But 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  201 

they,  I  hope,  enjoy  a  happiness  which  neither  the  honours  or 
advantages  of  this  life  are  to  be  compared  with.  It  is  as  fruitless 
to  repine,  as  to  wish  to  recall  them.  But  one  beneficial  lesson 
is,  I  hope,  strongly  impressed  on  my  mind,  by  the  recollection 
-of  that  person  who  so  long  and  ardently  wished  to  see  his  family 
restored  to  its  native  country,  by  being  replaced  in  its  former 
situation — a  firm  resolution  never  to  deviate  from  those  prin- 
ciples he  so  eminently  possessed,  which,  in  our  name,  have,  in 
most  instances,  been  so  religiously  adhered  to,  and  by  a  con- 
tinuation of  which  we  shall,  I  hope,  ever  deserve  credit  in  the 
eyes  of  those  whose  good  opinion  is  worth  looking  up  to.  Could 
anything  enhance  the  value  of  the  boon  conferred  on  me,  the 
handsome  manner  in  which  the  whole  pursuit  was  attended  by 
those  who  officially  were  concerned,  must  add  to  the  value  of 
the  acquisition. 

"  There  was  a  most  numerous  attendance  of  peers.  The  con- 
duct of  the  Chancellor  was,  in  the  general  opinion,  more  that 
of  an  advocate  than  of  a  judge,  though,  as  your  Lordship  knows, 
this  was  by  me  both  unsought  and  almost  unexpected.  There 
were  at  least  sixteen  of  your  confreres,  with  the  Archbishops  of 
Dublin  and  Cashel,  competing  who  should  cry  content  most  for- 
cibly on  the  admission  of  a  Papist,  at  least  to  the  right  of  be- 
coming a  member  of  their  house.  The  time  is  not,  I  hope, 
remote  when  that  restriction  which  impedes  the  full  enjoyment 
of  every  privilege  will,  with  the  same  unanimity,  be  conceded. 
At  all  events,  my  object  is  now  completely  attained,  and  I  trust 
by  no  other  means  than  such  as  reflect  credit  on  the  Govern- 
ment, and  no  disgrace  on  the  individual. 

"  I  have  left  Lady  Fingall  in  town,  whither  I  return  on  Mon- 
day. Our  youngest  child  has  been  very  ill.  We  shall,  I  hope, 
soon  become  inhabitants  of  this  old  castle,  to  which,  I  trust,  it  is 
needless  for  me  to  say,  your  Lordship's  visits  are  ever  truly 
welcome.  I  left  my  mother  very  well  yesterday. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  my  dear  Lord, 

"  Your  very  faithful  and  most  obedient  servant, 

"  FINGALL." 

On  the  14th  of  May,  1795,  Dr.  Troy  writes  again : — 

"  MY  DEAR  AND  MOST  HONOURED  LORD, 

"  The  first  general  meeting  of  our  College  trustees  is  to 
take  place  about  the  middle  of  next  month.     A  previous  meet- 


202  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DE.  PLUNKET. 

ing  of  all  the  prelates  named  trustees  is  absolutely  necessary  to 
prepare  business  and  form  opinions.  It  is  fixed  for  the  9th  of 
next  month,  when  I  expect  your  Lordship  here.  Mr.  Ander- 
son will  have  dinner  prepared  on  that,  and  every  other  day  the 
prelates  shall  think  proper,  during  their  stay  here.  The  pre- 
sence of  all  prelates  named  trustees  is  indispensable.  No  excuse 
for  absence  can  be  admitted.  I  wrote  last  night  to  Dr.  O'Eeilly 
to  intimate  this  to  Dr.  M'Davett,  and  I  write  by  this  post  ta 
the  other  clerical  trustees  on  the  same  subject.  The  Lords  have 
added  the  declaration  of  '92  to  the  oath  of  allegiance,  at  the 
suggestion  of  the  Archbishop  of  Cashel.  Please,  my  dear  Lord, 
to  acknowledge  this  hasty  letter.  I  had  the  honour  of  writing 
to  your  Lordship  last  Thursday. 

"  Be  assured  I  am,  with  constant  regard  and  esteem, 
"  My  dearest  Lord, 

"  Yours  most  sincerely, 

"  JOHN  TROY." 

On  the  21st  of  July,  1759,  Dr.  Troy  writes  again  to 
Dr.  Plunket  :— 

"  MY  DEAR  AND  MOST  HONOURED  LORD, 

"  The  Chancellor,  Lord  Clonmell,  and  Lord  Yelverton, 
are  to  attend  a  Board  of  trustees  next  Tuesday,  at  Twelve 
o'clock,  in  the  Chancellor's  Chambers,  in  the  House  of  Peers. 
The  first  will  certainly  be  present.  I  hope  the  other  two  will 
follow  his  example.  Mr.  Strange  and  I  thought  this  meeting 
necessary  to  lessen  our  responsibility  in  fixing  the  site  of  our 
college,  amidst  the  variety  of  proposals  received,  and  to 
sanction  the  final  determination.  Seven  are  required  to  make 
a  Board,  and  as  we  cannot  particularly  count  on  the  appearance 
of  every  trustee  within  thirty  miles  of  Dublin,  each  of  them 
must  be  requested  in  the  most  earnest  manner  to  attend,  as  it 
would  be  extremely  awkward  to  see  the  Chancellor  appear 
without  a  sufficient  number  of  other  members.  I  must,  there- 
fore, entreat  of  your  Lordship,  if  possible,  to  make  one  of  the 
number,  and  to  be  here  on  Monday,  as  it  is  necessary  the 
Catholic  trustees  should  have  a  previous  conference  amongst 
themselves  in  order  to  be  unanimous. 

"  It  is  said  that  O'Connor,  a  leader  of  defenders,  now  in  the 
new  prison,  was  a  schoolmaster,  and  occasional  parish  clerk 
in  the  parish  of  Agher,  in  the  diocese  and  county  Meath. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  HEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  203 

The  most  seditious  and  inflammatory  publications  were  found 
upon  him,  and  he  is,  it  is  said,  to  be  indicted  for  high  treason. 
This  connection  between  the  parish  priest  and  O'Connor 
furnishes  matter  of  much  speculation- to  all.  It  is  easy  to  con- 
jecture what  our  enemies  may,  and  what  even  our  friends  do 
actually  say.  The  latter  regret  the  connection  much,  and 
remark  that  O'Connor,  as  a  schoolmaster  and  clerk,  was  in  some 
degree,  as  an  official  man,  in  the  confidence  of  the  priest,  who 
could  not  be  entirely  ignorant  of  his  principles.  Hence  they 
censure  the  priest  for  employing  such  a  person  in  any 
capacity,  instead  of  endeavouring  to  banish  him  from  the 
parish.  Thus  they  reason;  and  some  of  them — religious 
Catholics — are  desirous  your  Lordship  should  be  made 
acquainted  with  these  remarks,  that  by  more  caution  in  future 
on  the  part  of  the  priests,  the  like  surmises  may  be  prevented. 
"  Le  Favre  has  given  us  some  trouble  since  we  separated. 
He  insists  that  a  bargain  was  made  with  him,  and  threatens 
law.  This  is  all  vapouring,  and  must  end  in  mere  sound.  I 
fear  Dr.  Reilly  is  in  the  North ;  nevertheless  I  write  to  him  by 
this  post.  I  am  anxiously  expecting  to  see  your  Lordship  and 
him  here  next  Monday,  and  remain,  with  respectful  attachment, 
"  My  dear  Lord,  yours  sincerely, 

"JOHN  TROY." 

Lord  Fingall,  to  whom  Dr.  Plunket  sent  Dr.  Troy's 
letter,  as  being  one  of  the  trustees,  returned  it  with  the 
following  reply : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"Allow  me,  at  the  same  time  that  I  return  to  your 
Lordship  Dr.  Troy's  letter,  with  my  best  thanks  for  the  com- 
munication thereof,  to  express  my  wishes  that  your  Lordship 
will  be  kind  enough  to  make  this  place  your  way  to  Dublin, 
not  merely  by  a  call,  but  that  you  will  be  kind  enough  to  rest 
here  on  Sunday,  on  which  day,  if  it  suits  your  convenience,  I 
shall  be  most  happy  in  the  honour  of  seeing  you,  and  my  hour 
of  dinner  shall  be  any  you  will  please  to  appoint. 

"  As  our  assizes  are  on  the  very  day  fixed  for  a  meeting  of 
the  trustees,  and  in  the  present  state  of  this  country,  I  think  I 
am  in  some  degree  called  upon  to  shew  myself  at  least,  and 
rather  imagine  that  as  many  of  our  gentlemen  as  can  will,  or 
at  least  ought,  to  do  the  same,  I  do  not  know  how  it  will  be 


204  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

possible  for  me  to  go  to  town,  but  I  hope,  since  the  Chancellor 
again  honors  a  meeting  with  his  presence,  a  sufficient  number 
of  trustees  will  attend,  tho'  entre  nous,  as  far  as  at  present 
occurs  to  me,  I  am  not  convinced  of  the  policy  of  introducing 
the  P.  trustees  again,  after  the  handsome  manner  in  which 
they  declined  ;  their  too  frequent  interference  would,  I  fear,  be 
very  embarrassing. 

"  Your  Lordship's  remarks  as  to  O'Connor  are  most  just,  but 
there  are  people,  and  those  I  fear  too  much  attended  to  by  our 
present  rulers,  who  most  ingeniously  wish  to  put  clown  to  the 
thread-bare  tale  of  Popery  those  insurrections  which  they  in 
their  hearts  know  have  their  origin  in  French  principles  and 
irreligion ;  and  Government  ought  to  be  seriously  called  on 
to  put  a  stop  to  the  snarlings  and  illiberal  insinuations  of  its 
own  really  most  prejudiced  servants.  "What  can  be  more 
absurd  than  to  give  a  legal  establishment  and  encouragement  to 
a  religion,  and  at  the  same  time  throw  out  hints,  and  foul  un- 
founded aspersions  on  its  ministers  and  all  who  profess  it. 
However,  my  Lord,  an  enquiry  from  Mr.  Cregan  into  O'Con- 
nor's conduct  is  highly  proper,  and  the  result  thereof  will,  I 
am  confident,  be  equally  satisfactory  both  to  the  parish  priest 
and  our  zealous  friends  in  town.  Lady  Fingall  continues  to 
get  better ;  she  joins  me  most  cordially  in  thanks  and  compli- 
ments to. your  Lordship, 

"  I  am,  my  Lord, 
"  Your  very  faithful  and  most  obedient  servant, 

"  FINGALL. 
"  Killen  Castle,  July  25th." 


CHAPTER  XX. 

1796. 

LETTERS  TO  DR.  PLUNKET  FROM  THE  VERY  REV.  JOHN 
CONNOLLY,  PRIOR  OF  ST.  CLEMENT'S,  ROME. — FROM  THE 
HONOURABLE  AND  REV.  JENICO  PRESTON. 

ON  the  24th  of  February,  1796,  the  Rev.  John  Connolly, 
Dr.  Phmket's  agent  in  Rome,  wrote  to  the  Bishop  of 
Meath : 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.          205 

"  EIGHT  REV.  AND  DEAR  SIR, 

"  I  was  honoured  with  your  Lordship's  most  welcome 
and  very  obliging  favour  of  the  30th  of  November  last,  the 
9th  of  January.  On  the  17th  of  that  month,  Monseigneur 
Brancadori,  the  new  Secretary  of  Propaganda,  obtained  from 
his  Holiness  the  renewal  of  your  Lordship's  extraordinary 
faculties  ;  but  the  decree  of  this  grant  was  not  dispatched  till 
a  few  days  ago,  on  account  of  the  Carnival  vacancy,  that  lasted 
during  almost  the  whole  fortnight  immediately  preceding 
Lent 

"  Cardinal  Antonelli  heard  with  real  satisfaction  all  that 
your  Lordship  mentioned,  with  so  much  ease  and  beauty,  rela- 
tive to  himself  and  Rev.  Mr.  Smyth.  He  said  that  the  decline 
of  his  health,  and  the  new  additional  charge  of  Bishop  of 
Palestrina,  obliged  him  to  give  up  the  very  respectable,  but 
most  fatiguing  office  of  Propaganda,  and  desired  me  to  assure 
your  Lordship  that  he  will  always  find  a  pleasure  in  rendering 
your  Lordship  any  service  whatsoever.  His  Eminence  con- 
tinues to  be  a  member  of  Propaganda,  and  never  fails  to  attend 
at  all  its  Congregations.  The  good  old  and  humble  Cardinal 
Gerdil  received  with  pleasure  your  Lordship's  congratulations, 
and  desired  me  to  return  your  Lordship  his  sincere  thanks  for 
it.  I  am  much  obliged  to  your  Lordship  for  your  very  inter- 
esting intelligence  with  regard  to  the  spiritual  and  temporal 
concerns  of  Ireland.  Till  I  was  favoured  with  it,  I  feared  that 
Defenderism  would  make  our  native  country  a  scene  of  murder 
and  desolation,  and  I  feared  bad  consequences  to  our  religion 
from  the  establishment  of  our  new  Irish  College  of  St.  Patrick, 
as  I  dreaded  that  our  ministry  might  interfere  and  influence 
our  Professors  of  Divinity  in  point  of  doctrine.  Your  Lord- 
ship's approbation  of  that  establishment  made  all  my  appre- 
hensions concerning  it  vanish.  Monseigneur  Zondadari's  pro- 
motion to  the  dignity  of  Cardinal  was  put  off  on  account  of  the 
Grand  Duke  of  Tuscany  having  refused  to  name  him,  as  a 
Cardinal,  to  the  Archbishopric  of  Sienna,  which  he  enjoys  now, 
and  he  resides  in  it ;  but  as  His  Royal  Highness  does  not  op- 
pose his  being  made  a  Cardinal,  after  he  has  taken  possession 
of  that  See,  it  is  thought  he  will  be  soon  promoted  to  that 
eminent  dignity. 

"  I  am  truly  glad  it  is  in  your  Lordship's  power  to  provide 
so  comfortably  for  Rev.  Mr.  Hanlon.  He  has  got  a  wide  scope 


206  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — BE.  PLUNKET. 

for  his  zeal,  as  the  parishes  of  Slane  and  Eathkenny  are  very 
extensive. 

"  While  the  Pope,  surrounded  by  his  guards,  was  praying 
last  Sunday  in  St.  Peter's  Church,  a  man,  a  barber  by  pro- 
fession, cried  out  to  him  to  be  on  his  guard,  as  he  had  over- 
heard two  persons  talking  of  shooting  his  Holiness.  A  strict 
search  was  immediately  made  after  said  persons,  and  as  they 
were  not  found,  the  informer  was  taken  into  custody. 

"  Mons.  Brancadori  told  me  a  few  days  ago  that  my  old 
acquaintance,  Count  Preston,  Trefoncier  de  Liege,  is  in  Ireland. 
When  at  Rome,  I  often  heard  him  mention  your  Lordship  in  a 
respectful  manner.  Please  to  assure  him  and  the  Honourable 
Robert  Plunket  of  my  sincere  respects.  .  .  .  . 

"  Having  already  tired  your  Lordship  with  so  long  a  letter, 
I  shall  only  add  that 

"  I  am,  with  the  most  sincere  esteem  and  profound  respect, 

"  Right  Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 
"  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  and  obliged 
humble  servant, 

"  BR.  JOHN  CONNOLLY." 


On  the   10th   of    November,   same    year,   Rev.    John 
Connolly  wrote  again  from  St.  Clement's,  Rome  : — 

"  RIGHT  REV.  AND  DEAR  SIR, 

"  I  was  honoured  on  the  2nd  instant  with  your  Lord- 
ship's very  kind  and  most  welcome  favour  of  the  12th  of 
October,  and  agreeably  to  your  Lordship's  injunction  to  me  to 
be  expeditious  on  the  present  occasion,  I  presented,  the  follow- 
ing day,  the  usual  petition  for  the  renewal  of  your  Lordship's 
-ordinary  faculties.  This  having  been  laid  the  next  day  by 
Monseigneur  Brancadori,  in  his  weekly  audience,  before  his 
Holiness,  was  readily  granted.  I  received  this  moment  the 
grant.  It  is  conceived  in  the  usual  terms.  Since  the  receipt 
of  your  Lordship's  letter  I  waited  twice  on  Cardinal  Antonelli, 
on  days  that  I  imagined  him  to  be  least  occupied,  but  he  was 
either  gone  abroad,  or  busy  in  consultations  with  learned  men 
on  matters  regarding  the  Congregations  of  which  he  is  a  mem- 
ber when  I  called  on  him.  I  am  very  sure  it  will  give  his 
Eminence  as  much  satisfaction  as  it  did  to  myself,  to  be  in- 
formed by  me,  in  your  Lordship's  name,  of  the  happy  effect 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET.  207 

that  your  Lordship's  firmness,  tempered  with  becoming  charity, 
produced  on  the  late  Rev.  Mr.  Smyth. 

"  I  shall  have  the  pleasure  of  sending  your  Lordship  a  map 
of  Rome  by  the  next  opportunity.  I  consigned  the  Roman 
Almanack  last  April  to  a  Rev.  Mr.  Molloy,  then  setting  out  for 
Ireland,  and  addressed  it  to  the  care  of  Dr.  Troy  for  your 
Lordship.  I  have  also  sent  your  Lordship  by  him  six  small 
prints  (busts)  of  his  Holiness.  To  avoid  their  being  crushed  in 
the  journey,  or  paying  duty  in  Dublin,  I  put  them  in  a  quarto 
volume  entitled  '  Synodus  Imolensis, '  addressed  to  Dr.  Troy, 
for  Mr.  Dillon  of  Kilmacduagh.  They  bear  a  striking  resem- 
lance  to  his  Holiness.  Dr.  Troy  has  received,  many  months 
ago,  information  of  his  being  to  receive  those  articles  for  your 
Lordship.  I  would  have  had  the  honour  of  giving  your  Lord- 
ship timely  advice  of  them,  did  I  not  think  it  needless,  as  a 
report  prevailed  here  for  some  months,  that  the  vessel  in  which 
Mr.  Molloy  took  his  passage  from  Leghorn  to  Spain  had 
foundered  at  sea,  and  that  he  had  perished.  However,  Father 
Concanen  had  lately  a  letter  from  Dr.  Troy  that  mentions 
Mr.  Molloy's  arrival  in  Dublin.  But  as  his  Lordship  says 
nothing  of  the  many  articles  sent  by  him,  I  suppose  that  his 
luggage  had  not  then  arrived.  I  am  greatly  obliged  to  your 
Lordship  for  your  account  of  Lord  Fingall's  title,  also  in 
giving  me  an  account  of  the  Hon.  Robert  Plunket,  Mr. 
Preston,  Mr.  Hanlon,  and  the  total  suppression  of  Defenderism. 

"  Your  Lordship's  account  of  the  ceremony  of  laying  the  first 
stone  of  the  College  of  St.  Patrick,  and  the  many  circumstances 
attending  it,  is  by  far  the  most  satisfactory  that  has  been  yet 
sent  to  Rome.  Who  could  imagine,  when  I  left  Ireland  nearly 
thirty  years  ago,  that  some  of  our  Catholic  prelates  were  to  go,  in 
1796,  in  state  through  Dublin,  and  to  dine  at  the  Castle? 

"In  a  letter  I  wrote  Rev.  Mr.  Hanlon,  the  8th  instant,  I 
desired  him  to  inform  your  Lordship  of  Dr.  Hussey's  promotion 
to  the  See  of  Waterford.  I  suppose  my  letter  will  be  sent  to 
Mr.  Hanlon  by  his  friend,  on  the  Bull-ring  in  Drogheda,  to 
whose  care  I  directed  it.  I  did,  not,  however,  mention  to 
Mr.  Hanlon  that  I  was,  the  foregoing  day,  honoured  with  a 
letter  from  your  Lordship. 

"  His  Holiness  has  not  yet  published  anything  with  regard 
to  the  reality  of  the  wonderful  event  that  happened  here  and 
at  Ancona  last  summer.  They  have  been  productive  of  happy 
effects  here,  as  thousands  of  hardened  sinners  in  the  Pope's 


208  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

State  were  sincerely  converted  by  them.  Hundreds  at  Rome, 
of  persons  of  known  veracity,  have  deposed  upon  oath  their 
having  been  witnesses  to  many  of  them.  Amongst  those  are 
some  Italian  pious  persons  of  both  sexes,  who  have  been  known 
to  me  those  many  years  past.  As  the  post  for  Venice,  which 
since  the  taking  of  Milan  by  the  French  is  our  only  channel  for 
conveying  our  letters  from  hence  into  Germany,  goes  off  but 
once  a  week,  and  is  to  set  out  this  evening,  I  am  obliged  to 
pen  these  few  lines  in  a  vast  hurry. 
"  I  am,  my  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  obliged,  humble  servant, 

"  JOHN  CONNOLLY. 

"  P.S. — I  am  no  longer  superior  of  St.  Clement's.  The  renewal 
of  your  Lordship's  ordinary  faculties  is  dated  the  4th  instant." 

On  the  13th  of  September,  1796,  the  Honourable  and 
Rev.  Jenico  Preston  writes  from  London  to  Dr.  Plunk et: — 

"  I  profit,  my  good  Lord,  of  the  departure  of  our  worthy 
friend,  Mr.  Hussey,  for  Ireland,  to  send  to  your  Lordship  the 
annexed  copy  of  a  few  of  the  numerous  letters  from  people  of 
undoubted  veracity,  good  sense,  and  worthy  of  credit,  relative 
to  the  miracles  with  which  God  has  deigned  to  favour  the 
Pope's  dominions,  which  the  people  were,  as  he  saw,  ripe  to 
profit  of,  and  to  return  to  him.  By  those  granted  to  Ancona, 
which  begun  the  very  night  that  a  horrid  massacre  was  to  have 
taken  place  there,  you  will  see  that  the  town  was  preserved  from 
it,  and  that  the  plot  was  discovered  by  the  conspirators  becom- 
ing penitents,  in  consequence  of  the  miracle  making  known  the 
facts  themselves.  By  those  at  Rome,  and  in  the  rest  of  the 
dominions,  and  the  conversions  occasioned  by  them,  we  are  well 
grounded  to  conclude  that  God  chose  this  method  to  preserve 
the  inhabitants  of  the  centre  of  Christianity  from  adopting  the 
principles  which  the  French  despoliating  commissaries  on 
their  arrival  would  and  will  most  certainly  strive  to  dissemi- 
nate in  Rome,  and  in  the  rest  of  the  Pope's  dominions.  I  am 
sorry  that  Mr.  Hussy  sets  off  so  soon,  or  I  should  have  sent  you 
the  English  collection  of  letters  respecting  and  confirming  these 
prodigies  of  the  goodness  of  God,  which  will  be  far  more 
voluminous,  having  been  judged  best  to  begin  with  only  two  of 
the  French  letters,  and  a  French  translation  of  the  one  from 
Mr.  Green  to  Mr.  Milner,  who  had  received  him  into  the 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  209 

church,  as  a  preparative  to  the  others  ;  and  as  we  hope  to  soon 
receive  the  formal   proces  verbal  of  at  least    the   miracles   of 
Ancona  to  join  to  it.      As  soon  as  I  can  find  an  occasion,  after 
the  coming  out  of  the  English  collection,  I  shall  send  it  to  you. 
The  Ancona  and  Roman  miracles  are  as  well  confirmed  as  any 
one  could  wish.     May  God  make  other  nations  profit  of  them 
as  the  Italians.      Would  to  God  that  such  facts  would  happen 
in  our  chapels  and  houses  in  these  countries,  and  convert  the 
soirdisant  Catholics  as  well  as  the  declared  non-Catholics.     In 
mean  time  I  think  'twill  be  rendering  a  service  to  religion  and 
to  the  country  to  make  known  the  truth  of  these  events  and 
the  effects  they  have  produced.     If  I  had  not  seen  the  original 
letter  of  the  well-known  and  respectable  Abbate  Bononie,  here- 
tofore professor  of  Divinity  in  the  College  of  Propaganda  at 
Home,  to  his  brother  here,  and  some  others  from  well-known 
people,  I  should  not  have  given  so  much  credit  to  these  facts ; 
but  the  authors  of  the  letters  relating  them  are  such  as  to  leave 
no  room  for  doubt.      And  I  should  be  glad  to  know  from  our 
pretended   Christians   what   there   is   in  these   miracles   less 
credible  or  more  ridiculous  than  in  those  of  Eliseus  which  the 
Scripture  relates — the  iron  of  the  hatchet  which  fell  to  the 
bottom  of  the  river  Jordan,  which  he  made  rise  of  itself  to  the 
surface  of  the  water  by  holding  the  handle  over  it ;  the  passage 
of  that  river  without  sinking,  by  the  extension  of  Elias's  cloak 
upon  the   water  ;  the  multiplication  of  the  oil  by  him  for  the 
poor  widow  ;  his  adapting  his  body  to  that  of  the  dead  child 
and  bringing  it  to  life,  &c.     All  these  had  only  an  effect  upon 
a  few,  whereas  these  present  ones   have  on  a  whole   nation. 
I  quote  you  these  of  the  Prophet,  because  I  have  heard  of 
several  instances  here,  where  by  first  quoting  them  as  of  a  good 
Abbot  who  lived  on  the  banks  of  the  Jordan,  without  naming 
him,  nor    from    whence   the   stories    were    taken,    till    the 
Protestants,  &c.,  had  their  laugh  against  them  as  ridiculous, 
and  on  the  persons  who  told  them  insisting  that  they  were  not 
Protestants,  &c.,  who  did  not  believe  such  stories  ;  when,  then, 
the  Abbot's  name  was  told,  and  where  the  stories  were  related, 
viz.,  in  the  Scripture,  the  laughers  were  gagged  and  could  no 
longer   either   laugh  at   or   criticise   our   miracles   of    saints. 
Things  on   the    Continent  have  gone  on  from  bad  to  worse 
almost  ever  since  I  left  you ;  if,  therefore,  they  go  on  much 
longer  so  you  need  not  be  surprised  to  see  me  again  visit  poor 
old  Ireland. 


210  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

"  I  hope  that  in  your  present  visitation  of  your  diocese  you 
were  so  good  as  to  follow,  relative  to  your  Auberge,  in  our 
parish,  the  advice  which  I  took  the  liberty  to  give  you,  and 
that  you  went  straight  to  lodge  at  Gormanston  without  waiting 
a  formal  invitation  on  the  occasion.  If  not,  and  that  I  return, 
tho'  you  are  a  bishop  and  I  only  a  priest — as  I  have  at 
times  done  so  with  bishops  and  sovereigns  before  now,  and 
found  good  come  of  it — I  shall  go  to  you  and  preach  you  a  loug 
sermon,  and  my  text  shall  be  of  the  pastor  who  had  100  sheep, 
of  which  one  strayed  in  the  desert,  who  left  the  99,  went  to 
seek  for  it,  and  brought  it  back  on  his  shoulders 

"  I  am,  with  sincere  regard,  my  good  Lord, 

"  Your   most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"  JENICO  PRESTON." 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

1797. 

LETTER  OF  DR.  TROY  TO  DR.  PLUNKET. —  LETTER  FROM  THE 
DOMINICAN  FATHERS,  DENMARK-STREET,  DUBLIN. — REPLY 
OF  DR.  PLUNKET  TO  A  PETITION  FROM  MULLINGAR.— 
LETTER  FROM  A  MR.  KENNEDY. 

THE  following  letter,  found  amongst  the  papers  and  cor- 
respondence of  Dr.  Plunket,  and  published  now  for  the 
first  time,  will  be  read  with  peculiar  interest.  It  will  amply 
illustrate  the  innumerable  difficulties  and  dangers  with 
which  the  Irish  episcopacy  was  encompassed,  and  with 
what  intrigue  and  cunning  the  astute  statesmen  of  Eng- 
land, under  the  theories  of  State  pensions  and  vetoistical 
intermeddling,  after  the  first  dawn  of  religious  toleration, 
were  paving  the  way,  as  they  conjectured,  for  the  enslave- 
ment of  the  Church,  and  the  gradual  decline  of  the  influ- 
ence of  the  Catholic  priesthood. 

On  the  23rd  of  May,  1797,  Dr.  Troy  writes  from  Dublin 
to  Dr.  Plunket :— 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  211 

"  MY  DEAR  AND  MOST  HONOURED  LORD, 

"Agreeably  to  what  I  mentioned  in  my  last  to  your 
Lordship,  I  Avaited  on  the  Marquis  of  Waterford  on  Wednesday, 
and  engaged  him  to  speak  to  Mr.  Pelham,  in  order  to  have  the 
malicious  calumny  of  the  U.  I.  M.  contradicted  in  Parliament. 
The  Marquis  spoke  to  him  on  the  same  day.  On  Thursday,  I 
had  a  polite  note  from  Mr.  Pelham  requesting  the  honour  of  an 
interview  with  me  on  Friday,  when  I  waited  on  him.  After 
the  usual  compliments,  he  said  that  though  adverse  to  the  agi- 
tation of  Catholic  Emancipation  in  the  present  circumstances, 
he  hoped  he  was  not  considered  as  an  enemy  to  Catholics,  and 
declared  he  was  not,  nor  to  any  denominations  of  Christians,  ex- 
cept such  as  from  system  wished  to  overthrow  every  monarchy. 
He  professed  esteem  for  myself,  and  his  disposition  to  oblige 
me.  He  then  asked  what  I  wished  to  have  done  respecting 
the  calumny,  &c.,  mentioned  to  him  by  the  Marquis  of  Water- 
ford.  I  told  him,  and  explained  my  motives.  He  replied  that, 
as  the  inventors  and  propagators  of  the  calumny  knew  it  to  be 
groundless,  110  contradiction,  however  solemn,  would  make  any 
desirable  impression  on  them,  and  that  they  would  ridicule  it, 
and  say  what  credit  does  a  corrupt  Parliament,  only  registering 
the  edicts  of  a  more  corrupt  Government,  deserve  1  I  ac- 
knowledged the  justness  of  his  observation,  but  remarked  that 
their  ignorant  dupes  who  formed  the  multitude,  and  amongst 
whom  there  were  many  harmless  and  undesigning  persons, 
would  be  undeceived.  He  acquiesced,  and  said  he  would  avail 
himself  of  the  first  favourable  opportunity  to  contradict  the 
calumny  in  the  House  of  Commons.  Your  Lordship  may  ima- 
gine that  many  incidental  remarks  were  made  on  this  subject  : 
amongst  others,  I  observed  that  it  was  absurd  to  bribe  our  pre- 
lates to  enforce  loyalty,  as  they  had  always  done  it  from  prin- 
ciple, and  that  the  bribe  should  rather  come  from  the  U.  I.  M., 
to  estrange  our  bishops  from  their  uniform  conduct.  He  asked 
me  whether  it  was  true  that  many  of  our  clergy  had  associated 
with  the  U.  I.  M.  '  I  hope  not,'  said  I,  '  and  do  not  believe 
it/  '  Neither  do  I/  said  he,  'to  the  extent  that  is  reported, 
because  I  know  that  the  U.  I.  M.  exaggerate  their  numbers  and 
strength,  in  order  to  gain  associates  by  intimidation  and  mis- 
representation ;  but/  continued  he,  '  we  have  positive  informa- 
tion that  some  of  your  clergy,  in  different  parts  are  sworn.' 
Before  I  could  say  anything  more  on  this  subject,  he  fortunately 
turned  the  conversation  to  Dr.  Hussey,  asking  me  if  he  had  not 


212  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

gone  to  England  1  On  my  answering  '  Yes/  he  said  that  his 
pastoral  letter  was  very  intemperate  and  inflammatory,  little 
expected  from  any  Catholic  pastor,  and  especially  from  one  cir- 
cumstanced as  Dr.  Hussey  is,  in  these  times  of  public  agitation, 
when  every  honest  man  should  endeavour  to  allay  the  ferment 
instead  of  opening  old  sores.  I  assured  him  that  it  was  published 
without  the  approbation  or  knowledge  of  any  of  our  prelates, 
and  that  we  all  considered  it  as  unseasonable  and  reprehen- 
sible in  its  tendency.  '  I  thought  so/  said  he,  '  but  am  glad  to 
hear  it  from  you,  as  the  contrary  was  surmised.'  He  concluded 
on  this  subject  by  saying — '  Hussey  is  very  warm,  and  has  acted 
without  reflection.'  This  unexpected  moderation  encouraged 
me  to  represent  the  present  state  of  OUT  college  finances,  and 
consequent  necessity  of  an  immediate  supply.  He  said  that  we 
would  get  something  of  the  loan  daily  expected  from  England ; 
and  suddenly  remarked  that  he  always  considered  the  question. 
of  Catholic  Emancipation  as  a  fair  subject  of  Parliamentary 
discussion  ;  for  which  reason,  he  sought  for  every  information 
about  it ;  '  but,  I  must  observe  to  you/  he  added, '  I  now  speak 
to  Dr.  Troy  as  Mr.  Pelham,  and  not  as  the  Lord  Lieutenant's 
Secretary.  Is  it  possible/  said  he,  '  that  such  a  test  may  be 
framed  for  the  Catholic  clergy  as  to  connect  them  with  the 
the  entire  establishment  in  Church  and  State  V  Absolutely 
impossible/  said  I,  '  because  the  Pope's  spiritual  and  ecclesias- 
tical supremacy  is  a  fundamental  article  of  Catholic  faith. 
'  Cannot  you/  asked  he,  '  abjure  every  jurisdiction  of  a  foreign, 
prince  or  state  V  (  We  have  already/  answered  I,  '  abjured  the 
civil  and  temporal  jurisdiction  and  authority  of  every  foreign 
prince,  prelate,  or  potentate,  and  can  go  no  further.'  '  But/  re- 
plied he,  '  did  not  the  kings  of  France  and  Catholic  States  ap- 
.  point  their  bishops  V  '  No/  said  I,  '  they  were  only  privileged 
by  the  Holy  See  to  nominate  and  present,  but  the  appointment 
by  confirmation  and  institution  belongs  exclusively  to  the  Pope/ 
To  explain  this,  I  told  him,  that  the  King  of  Great  Britain  ap- 
pointed bishops  as  head  of  the  Anglican  Church,  and  that  lay 
patrons  of  the  same  presented  only  to  the  bishop,  who  alone 
instituted  the  rector.  I  added  that  different  Popes  have  some- 
times refused  to  confirm  the  presentation  of  kings,  and  particu- 
larized the  case  of  de  Marca,  and  other  nominations  of  Louis 
XIV.  '  But  could  not  the  Pope/  said  he,  '  privilege  his  Ma- 
iesty,  or  any  State,  to  present  the  Catholic  bishops.'  I  answered 
that  it  was  absolutely  in  his  power  to  do  so,  but  he  had  never 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DB.  PLUNKET.  213 

yet  done  it,  only  where  the  bishops  enjoyed  estates  or  revenues 
under  the  patronage  of  the  State.  '  Then,  suppose/  said  he, 
'  that  the  State  granted  revenues  to  your  bishops  and  clergy/ 
I  replied  it  was  not  in  the  power  of  the  State,  I  believed,  to 
grant  an  annual  revenue  to  every  bishop  and  priest  sufficient 
for  their  respective  support.  I  calculated  that  nearly  £200,000 
would  be  annually  required  for  that  purpose  ;  but,  allowing  the 
capacity  of  the  State  to  furnish  so  great  a  sum,  I  deprecated  the 
measure  as  impolitic  and  inexpedient.  Because,  were  it  adopted, 
our  instructions  and  exertions  to  promote  subordination  and 
peace  would  be  ascribed  to  self-interest,  and  not,  as  now,  to  a 
principle  of  religion.  I  forebore  from  mentioning  the  proba- 
bility of  the  most  convivial,  intriguing,  and  forward  amongst 
our  clergy  being  more  successful  in  their  applications  to  the 
Government  for  preferment  than  the  meritorious,  the  humble, 
and  unassuming.  It  is  my  firm  belief  that  if  ever  this  measure 
should  be  adopted,  it  will  be  followed  with  the  decline,  and, 
perhaps,  the  final  destruction  of  our  religion  in  this  country. 
God  grant  that  it  is  not  proposed  with  this  very  intention. 
Timeo  Danaos  et  dona  ferentes.  Such  is  the  subject  of  my  long 
conversation  with  Mr.  Pelham,  which  I  am  resolved  to  con> 
municate  occasionally  to  our  bishops  only.  It  took  place  at  his 
house  in  Stephen's  Green.  In  the  present  circumstances  I  do 
not  wish  it  should  be  known. 

"  I  do  suppose  that  Mr.  Pelham  will  fulfil  his  promise  to  con- 
tradict the  calumnious  falsehood  of  the  U.  I.  M.  The  time  and 
occasion  of  doing  it  must  be  left  to  himself.  Under  the  expec- 
tation of  his  compliance,  we  must  remain  silent,  except  in  con- 
versation, and,  perhaps,  after  too  long  a  delay,  any  declaration 
from  us  may  be  thought  untimely.  If  Mr.  Pelham  complies 
with  his  promise,  I  believe  our  declaration  to  the  same  effect 
will  be  unnecessary.  Defenderism  has  extended  again  to  this 
diocese.  Several  houses  have  been  plundered  of  arms  this 
week  about  Celbridge  and  Lucan.  I  have  postponed  my  visi- 
tation sine  die.  We  are  most  critically  circumstanced.  May 
God  direct  us.  I  enclose  Mr.  M'DonneLl's  letter  to  me,  and  Mr. 
Maguire's  answer. 

"  In  my  last  letter  to  Dr.  Moylan  I  urged  the  necessity  of 
what  your  Lordship  mentions  concerning  Dr.  Hussey's  resigna- 
tion  of  the  Presidency.  I  have  done  the  same  in  a  late  letter 
to  Dr.  Hussey  himself,  assuring  him  that  everyone  present  at 
our  late  meeting  here  considered  the  Presidency  as  incompa- 


214  THE  BISHOPS  OF  HEATH — DE.  PLUNKET. 

tible  with  the  duties  of  a  bishop.  I  was  silent  about  any  desire 
or  wish  of  the  Castle  that  he  should  resign,  because,  from  my 
opinion  of  his  temper,  I  apprehend  that  very  circumstance 
would  determine  him  to  retain  the  Presidency.  Non  est  sicui 
Cfteri  hominum,  although  he  is  no  Pharisee. 

"  I  have  Feller's  Dictionary  in  my  library,  and  read  the  ar- 
ticle referred  to  by  your  Lordship.  It  appears  from  it  that 
Antiochus  attempted  nothing  less  than  the  total  extinction  of 
the  Jewish  religion  and  nation,  and  the  erection  of  idolatry  in 
the  very  temple  of  Jerusalem.  The  Jews  were,  therefore,  not 
only  justified  in  their  unanimous  resistance,  but  would  have 
been  culpable  if  they  had  not  resisted  such  a  tyrant.  I  do  not 
know  any  modern  sufferers  who  can  plead  the  same  motives  of 
resistance  to  their  rulers.  Those  we  are  acquainted  with  are 
permitted  by  law  to  exercise  their  religion.  They  are,  it  is 
true,  deprived  of  many  political  rights,  but  enjoy  several  civil 
rights,  and  their  persons  and  property  are  protected  by  law. 
How,  then,  can  their  situation  be  compared  with  that  of  the 
Jewish  people  under  Antiochus  1  Besides,  they  have  sworn  un- 
conditional allegiance  when  under  many  restraints,  the  prin- 
cipal of  which  were  since  removed.  Their  revolt  would  be, 
therefore,  aggravated  by  ingratitude.  The  Jewish  nation  was 
justly  united  to  a  man  against  Antiochus.  That  is  not  the 
case  with  the  other  supposed  sufferers  and  their  country  ;  nor 
can  it  ever  happen  in  any,  except  in  the  case  of  manifest  tyranny. 
Tertullian  remarks  that  the  Christians,  even  in  his  early  days, 
were  more  numerous  in  several  provinces  than  the  pagans,  but 
obeyed  their  rulers  in  all  temporal  matters  from  a  principle  of 
religion. 

"  The  Eomaii  Catholics  of  Ireland  have  hitherto  conducted 
themselves  in  like  manner.  The  doctrine  of  Christ  '  Reddite 
ergo  quse  sunt  Csesaris  Csesari/  &c.,  explained  by  St.  Paul, 
saying,  'Qui  potestati  resistit  Dei  ordinationi  resistit,  omnes 
anima  potestatibus  sublimioribus  subdita  sit :  obedite  Prsepositis 
vestris  etiam  discolis,  propter  conscientiam/  &c.,  &c.  This 
doctrine,  I  say,  is  immutable,  whatever  be  the  number  or 
description  of  Christian  subjects.  Christ  and  St.  Paul  wrote 
for  all  ages  and  climes.  Joseph  II.  certainly  broke  his  compact 
with  his  Belgian  subjects  after  swearing  to  observe  it.  This 
resistance  was  not  rebellion,  because  Trangenti  fidem,  fides 
frangatur  eidem.' 

"  It  is  not  surprising  that  the  systematic  opposers  of  every 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  215 

monarchy  and  hierarchy  should  attempt  the  destruction  of 
both ;  but  it  is  wonderful  that  any  Catholic  should  league  with 
them.  These  traitors  magnify  their  numbers  and  resources  to 
gain  over  proselytes  to  their  party,  and  encourage  the  ignorant 
rabble  to  outrage  and  insurrection ;  but  while  any  Government 
actually  exists  in  a  country,  it  ought  and  will  be  supported  by 
every  reflecting  man  of  every  religion.  Abuses  are  inseperable 
from  every  Government  in  the  world,  but  are  not  to  be  remedied 
by  rebellion.  When  tyranny  is  real  and  manifest,  there  is  no 
occasion  for  intrigue  and  misrepresentation  to  oppose  it.  I  am 
ashamed  of  this  scrawl,  and  conclude  it  with  the  usual,  but 
sincere  assurances  of  being,  my  dear  Lord, 

"  Yours  most  faithfully, 

"JOHN  TROY." 

On  the  llth  of  July,  1797,  the  Dominican  Fathers  of 
Denmark-street,  Dublin,  wrote  the  following  to  Dr.  Plun- 
ket: — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  The  case  of  the  convent  of  Donore,  in  your  Lordship's 
diocese,  being  stated  to  the  Definitory  by  the  Rev.  Father 
Ex-provincial,  Thomas  Dalton,  from  which  it  appears  that  we 
should,  and  do  consider  your  Lordship  as  the  founder  of  the 
convent  of  Donore,  the  conservator  of  its  privileges,  and  the 
protector  of  its  morals,  desirous  to  emulate  your  Lordship,  and 
to  serve  our  Order  with  that  zeal,  of  which  your  Lordship  has 
given  to  us  so  illustrious  an  example,  we  beg  leave  to  inform 
your  Lordship  that  the  Rev.  Father  Shaw  is  now  appointed  the 
Provincial's  Vicar  in  that  convent,  to  remain  as  such  until  by 
the  due  course  of  proceeding  a  prior  can  be  named  for  it.  The 
enlighteneued  zeal  of  your  Lordship  in  the  administration  of 
your  diocese  will  be  to  him,  we  are  satisfied,  a  bright  example 
of  what  he  ought  to  follow,  what  to  avoid.  We  most  earnestly 
recommend  him,  the  convent  of  Donore,  our  province,  and  our- 
selves to  your  Lordship. 

'  BR.  JAMES  CONNOLLY,  Provincial  elect. 

'  BR.  GEORGE  MOHUN,  Prior  and  Definitor. 

'  BR.  DENIS  O'FERRALL,  Preacher  and  Definitor. 

'  BR,  Ross  McCABE,  Prior  and  Definitor. 

'  BR.  PATRICK  HALLIGAN,  Preacher  and  Definitor." 


216  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET. 

After  the  death  of  the  Very  Rev.  Laurence  Fitzgerald, 
P.P.  of  Mullingar,  the  inhabitants  became  uneasy  lest 
their  old  and  faithful  curates  would  be  removed  from 
them ;  and,  hence,  they  petitioned  Dr.  Plunket  not  to 
sunder  old  ties,  or  deprive  the  parishioners  of  the  services 
of  men  who  had  endeared  themselves  to  each  and  all  by 
faithful  services  and  by  many  virtues.  Dr.  Plunket,  then 
on  visitation,  returned  the  following  reply  : — 

"Rosemount,  29th  September,  1797. 
"  DEAR  SIR, 

"  At  a  late  hour  this  afternoon  I  had  the  honor  of  re- 
ceiving a  letter  subscribed  by  you  and  several  respectable  in- 
habitants of  Mullingar.  On  the  eve  of  a  long  journey  and 
heavy  duty,  I  have  not  time  to  discuss  and  answer  the  various 
observations  it  contains.  I  respect  the  feelings  of  the  R. 
Catholics  who  have  addressed  me,  and  to  their  opinion  I  wish 
to  pay  every  attention  which  circumstances  and  duty  will  allow. 
If  the  rev.  gentlemen  you  speak  of,  deservedly  I  am  sure,  in 
terms  of  the  highest  commendation  and  praise,  consent*  to  act 
as  assistants  under  me  and  the  gentleman  whom,  in  the  interim, 
I  have  appointed  to  administer  the  parish  in  my  name,  I  do  not 
intend  to  remove  them ;  nor  did  I  at  any  time  think  of  their 
removal  without  intending  to  make  a  provision  for  the  re- 
mainder of  their  days.  I  feel  no  other  motive  in  the  disposal 
of  parishes  than  that  of  promoting  the  honour  and  glory  of  God 
and  the  salvation  of  souls.  No  other,  I  hope,  will  be  imputed 
by  the  R.  Catholics  of  Mullingar  to  their  affectionate  bishop 
and  most  humble  servant, 

"  P.  J.  PLUNKET/' 

There  is  no  date  on  the  following  letter,  but  it  must 
have  been  written  about  this  time.  The  writer  was  pro- 
bably an  ecclesiastic  who  fled  to  England,  like  many 
others,  from  the  horrors  of  the  French  revolution.  There 
is  no  doubt  an  all-merciful  Providence  saved  Ireland  from 


*  The  rev.  gentlemen  alluded  to  were  two  Dominican  Friars,  viz.,  Rev. 
Messrs.  Hope  and  Halligan.  Dr.  Plunket's  letter  was  directed  to  Patrick 
Dowdall,  Esq.,  the  first  name  on  the  memorial. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  217 

a  French  invasion  ;  as,  had  they  succeeded  in  overrunning 
this  country,  they  would  have  poisoned  the  air  with  their 
crimes  and  corrupted  the  morals  of  the  people  by  their 
impious  example : — 

"  DEAR  DOCTOR, 

"  Though  it  is  an  age  since  we  saw  one  another,  I  am 
sure  neither  forgets  the  many  happy  days  we  spent  together  in 
times  gone  by.  Having  an  opportunity  of  forwarding  to  you 
these  few  lines  by  the  bearer,  Rev.  Mr.  Murphy,  a  clergyman  of 
the  Established  Church,  who  ambitions  your  acquaintance.  I 
did  not  think  it  improper  to  comply  with  his  desire  of  being 
introduced  to  you  by  a  line  from  me. 

"  As  far  as  I  can  judge,  he  seems  to  be  very  liberal,  well 
informed,  and  gentlemanly.  My  expectations  of  returning  to 
the  Gallic  shores  vanish  more  and  more  every  day.  All  is  still 
confusion  there,  and,  in  appearance,  will  continue  so  for  many 
years.  The  ferocious  turn  of  mind  which  reigns  in  France  has 
totally  changed  the  genius  of  the  nation.  Honour,  honesty, 
civility,  and  politeness,  which  distinguished  France  from  its 
neighbours,  are  entirely  gone  away.  I  am  informed  that  poor 
Kearney  is  starving  there,  without  the  least  response  from 
friend  or  foe.  Pray  how  do  they  go  on  at  Maynooth  1  I 
tremble  for  that  establishment  on  many  accounts.  If  Provi- 
dence save  Ireland  from  the  visit  with  which  it  is  menaced,  it 
will  be  a  blessing  indeed.  Of  all  the  Egyptian  curses  nothing 
could  equal  French  embraces.  Were  these  tigers  permitted  to 
land  there,  adieu  to  every  happiness  and  comfort  which  you 
enjoy  now,  and  hope  to  enjoy  in  future.  These  monsters  would 
begin  to  extinguish  every  spark  of  religion  of  every  kind  at 
present  amongst  you. 

"  If  order,  peace,  and  tranquility  be  ever  restored  in  your 
distracted  island,  I  will  go  and  finish  the  last  few  days  I  have 
to  vegitate  there. 

"  Adieu,  dear  Doctor. 

"  Y"ours  most  sincerely  and  with  respect, 

"  THOMAS  KENNEDY. 
"Eathbone  Place,  Soho,  No.  42." 


218  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

1798. 

LETTERS  FROM  THE  ROMAN  AGENT,  THE  VERY  REV.  J. 
CONNOLLY. — ADDRESS  FROM  THE  CATHOLICS  OF  KELLS 
TO  DR.  PLUNKET. — LETTER  OF  DR.  PLUNKET  TO 
LORD  BECTIVE. — EXTRACT  OF  A  LETTER  FROM  AN 
INHABITANT  OF  KELLS  TO  A  FRIEND  IN  DUBLIN. — 
LETTERS  FROM  THE  PRESIDENT  OF  MAYNOOTH  COL- 
LEGE.— LETTER  FROM  DR.  O'REILLY,  ARCHBISHOP  OF 
ARMAGH. 

ON  the     17th    of    February,  1798,  Very   Rev.    Father 
Connolly  wrote  from  Rome  : — 

"RIGHT  REV.  AND  DEAR  SIR, 

"  In  the  letter  I  had  the  honour  to  write  your  Lordship, 
the  10th  instant,  I  sent  a  copy  of  the  decree  whereby  his 
Holiness  empowers  your  Lordship  to  hold  in  commendam  the 
parish  of  Mullingar  with  that  of  Navan.  The  decree  of 
renewal  of  your  Lordship's  extraordinary  faculties  would  have 
been  expedited  to-day  had  not  Monseigneur  Brancadori  been 
included  in  the  number  of  14  hostages  required  from  the  city 
on  the  llth,  and  confined  that  day  in  the  Pope's  Palace  of 
Monte  Cavello.  He  sent  me  word  two  days  ago,  by  the 
person  next  in  office  to  him  at  Propaganda,  that  tho'  the 
decree  is  not  despatched,  your  Lordship  is  to  consider  those 
faculties  as  renewed,  and  can  avail  yourself  of  them  accordingly. 
Cardinal  de  la  Smaglia,  the  Pope's  Vicar-General,  is  amongst 
the  hostages.  Cardinals  Albani,  Dean  of  the  Sacred  College; 
Busca,  late  Secretary  of  State  ;  and  York,  have  fled  to  Naples. 
I  suppose  they  will  go  to  Malta.  His  Holiness  is  still  at  the 
Vatican  Palace,  and  most  of  the  other  Cardinals  are  here.  I 
mentioned  in  my  last  letter  that  the  French  army  arrived  here 
on  the  evening  of  the  9th.  On  the  14th  an  edict  was 
published,  ordering  every  body  that  had  here  in  his  possession 
any  effects,  merchandise,  or  any  other  property,  belonging  to 
the  English,  Portugee,  or  Russian  nations,  or  any  individual 
thereunto  belonging,  to  give  in,  in  the  space  of  24  hours,  an 
exact  account  of  them.  We  were  informed  the  following  day 
that  this  edict  did  comprehend  the  property  of  the  British  col- 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DE.  PLUNKET.  219 

leges  and  convents  here.  On  the  15th  the  tree  of  liberty  was 
raised  at  the  Capitol  and  other  parts  of  the  city.  In  the  even- 
ing General  Berthier,  the  Commander-in-Chief,  came  in  great 
state  to  the  Capitol,  where  he  declared  Rome  a  free  and 
independant  Eepublick.  Liberty  and  equality  were  pro- 
claimed; titles  and  all  distinctions  were  abolished,  and  the 
Pope's  arms,  taken  down  from  many  places,  were  at  night 
burned  in  the  Corso,  our  principal  street,  and  other  parts  of  the 
city.  By  an  edict  of  the  16th,  General  Berthier  declares  the 
Pope's  temporal  authority  abolished,  and  the  Roman  Republick 
to  be  under  the  protection  of  that  of  France.  By  edicts  of 
this  morning  the  French  emigrants  are  ordered  away  in  the 
space  of  24  hours,  and  the  property  of  the  church  is  to  be  sold 
in  the  space  of  two  months,  to  extinguish  the  debts  of  the 
State.  I  hope  this  letter  will  reach  your  Lordship,  as  it  con- 
tains nothing  that  offend  our  new  Government,  which  is  at 
present  composed  of  seven  laymen,  two  of  whom  were  a  few 
days  ago  Roman  princes.  As  my  acquaintances  about 
Drogheda  and  in  the  town  may  be  uneasy  about  me,  I  request 
your  Lordship  will  let  Mr.  Hanlon  know  that  I  am  pretty  well. 
I  cannot  write  to  any  of  them  this  post,  being  quite  occupied 
in  the  concerns  of  where  I  live.  I  recommend  myself  to  your 
Lordship's  prayers,  and  with  the  most  sincere  respect  and 
esteem,  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  Right  Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 
"  Your  Lordships  affectionate  and  humble  servant, 

"F.  J.  C. 

"P.S. — The  Pope's  Guards  and  Swiss  are  dismissed.  The 
Te  Denm,  &c.,  is  to  be  sung  to-morrow  at  St.  Peters,  at  which 
the  Sacred  College  are  to  attend." 

In  the  month  of  March,  1798,  Father  Connolly  writes 
again  : — 

"RIGHT  REV.  AND  DEAR  SIR, 

"I  had  the  honour  of  writing  your  Lordship  two 
letters  last  month.  In  the  former  of  them  I  sent  a  copy  of  his 
Holiiiess's  decree,  empowering  your  Lordship  to  hold  the 
parish  of  Mullingar  with  that  of  Navan  in  commendam.  In 
the  latter  I  mentioned  a  message  sent  me  by  Monseigneur 


220  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLTJNKET. 

Brancadori  from  his  place  of  confinement  as  an  hostage,  con- 
cerning your  Lordships  extraordinary  faculties,  which  he  said 
were  to  be  considered  as  renewed,  tho'  he  had  not  presented  to 
the  Pope  my  petition  to  that  purpose.  However,  upon  his 
being  set  at  liberty  with  the  other  hostages,  he  found  that 
that  petition  was  really  among  the  few  papers  he  had  time  to 
present  to  his  Holiness  in  his  last — last  audience — of  the  1 1th 
of  February.  The  decree  of  renewal  bearing  that  date  is  in 
my  possession.  His  Holiness,  previous  to  his  departure  from 
hence,  invested  Cardinal  Gerdil  with  all  the  jurisdiction  that  is 
necessary  for  the  affairs  that  belong  to  Propaganda.  The  latter 
continued  to  despatch  them  with  his  usual  zeal,  caution,  and 
piety,  until  a  prevailing  power  took  possession  lately  of  the 
great  college  of  Propaganda,  and  shut  up  and  sealed  its 
archivium.  Thus,  my  Lord,  Propaganda  goes  on  no  longer,  as 
Cardinal  Gerdil,  not  to  offend  the  prevailing  power,  ceases  to 
do  anything  belonging  to  that  truly  great  congregation.  His 
Eminence,  as  his  last  act  of  jurisdiction,  continued,  at  the  re- 
quest of  the  agents  of  the  Irish  prelates,  their  Lordships' 
faculties,  ordinary  and  extraordinary,  six  years  more,  which 
are  to  commence  only  at  the  expiration  of  the  six  years  that 
had  been  already  granted  to  each  of  their  Lordships.  Your 
Lordship  has,  therefore,  ordinary  faculties  for  ten  years  and 
almost  nine  months  more,  and  extraordinary  ones  for  twelve 
years  less  a  month.  The  aforesaid  continuation  by  Cardinal 
Gerdil  is  dated  the  10th  instant.  The  decree  of  it  will  be  sent 
off  this  post  by  Father  Concanen  to  his  Grace  the  Primate,  to 
be  communicated  to  all  the  Irish  prelates. 

"  The  French  have  seized  on  and  sold  everything  belonging 
to  the  English  and  Scotch  colleges  here ;  the  former  was  worth 
three  thousand  pounds  a-year.  Commissioners  were  to  take 
possession  to-day  of  the  Irish  College  and  all  its  property.  I 
suppose  they  will  do  the  same  at  the  Irish  Convents  of  St. 
Mathew's,  St.  Isidore's,  and  St.  Clement's,  notwithstanding  the 
efforts  of  the  incumbents  of  these  houses  to  prevent  it.  There 
is  scarce  a  country  but  has  a  college  here  ;  they  are  to  be  all, 
it  is  said,  suppressed.  All  church  goods  are  to  be  very  soon 
declared  the  property  of  this  Republic.  About  four  thousand 
ecclesiastics,  secular  and  regular,  not  natives  of  this  State,  are 
to  be  ordered  away ;  of  these,  a  hundred  receive  notice  each 
day  to  be  out  of  this  city  in  three  days,  and  out  of  the  Republic 
in  ten.  Cardinals  Antonelli,  Borgia,  Doria,  Roverella  Carandini, 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLTJNKET.  221 

and  another,  continue  confined  in  the  Dominican  Convent  at 
Civita  Vecchia.  All  the  other  Cardinals,  excepting  Gerdil,  and 
a  few  others  that  are  in  a  bad  state  of  health,  have  left  this, 
as  also  almost  all  the  other  prelates.  The  last  accounts  from 
Sienna  say  his  Holiness  gets  better  health  there  than  he  did 
here  since  many  years.  May  the  Almighty  preserve  him.  It 
is  prohibited  under  pain  of  death  to  either  speak  or  write 
against  this  Republic,  or  in  favour  of  the  late  government.  I 
feel  myself  becoming  a  prey  to  melancholy.  A  change  of  air 
would  be  of  service  to  me  ;  yet  I  am  determined  to  stay  here 
until  I  shall  be,  perhaps,  ordered  away.  I  am  very  certain  that 
your  Lordship,  when  informed  ,of  my  motives,  will  commend 
me  for  them.  As  to  private  interest,  it  is  plain  I  can  have 
none,  for  I  imagine  that  in  a  few  days  I  must  quit  the  house  I 
live  in  those  twenty-one  years  last  past.  Monseigneur  de 
Vecchi  of  Sienna,  a  prelate  as  remarkable  for  the  regularity  of 
his  conduct,  as  for  his  obstinacy  in  Jansenism,  arrived  here  a 
few  days  ago. 

"  Wishing  your  Lordship  every  sort  of  happiness, 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  the  most  sincere  esteem 

and  profound  veneration,  my  Lord, 
"  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  and  affectionate 
humble  servant, 

"J.  C." 

On  the  24th  of  March,  1798,  the  Catholics  of  Kells 
addressed  Dr.  Plunket  through  the  Rev.  Peter  O'Reilly, 
their  worthy  pastor. 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  The  R.  Catholics  of  Kells  beg  leave  again  to  approach 
your  Lordship  with  unfeigned  respect  and  gratitude,  and  with 
that  confidence  which  the  liberality  of  your  sentiments  inspires. 
Having  been  informed  that  your  Lordship  had  honoured  with 
your  approbation  the  plan  of  their  intended  chapel,  as  described 
by  Mr.  Johnston,  the  architect,  without  further  delay  they 
began  to  make  immediate  preparations  for  the  building.  Lime, 
sand,  and  stones,  have  been  collected  and  brought  to  the  spot. 
The  line  is  traced,  and  the  ground  opened  for  the  foundation. 
To  commence  the  work,  one  thing  only  appears  to  be  wanting. 
They  humbly  represent  to  your  Lordship,  that  the  foundation- 
stone  of  a  public  edifice  is  usually  laid  by  a  personage  of 


222  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

illustrious  rank,  or  by  a  most  distinguished  benefactor.  Be- 
holding both  characters  blended  in  you,  my  Lord,  it  is  impos- 
sible for  the  R.  Catholics  of  Kells  to  refrain  from  wishing  to 
have  that  ceremony  performed  by  your  Lordship.  May  they 
without  presumption  aspire  to  that  honour  1  When  they  reflect 
in  what  degree  that  undertaking  has  been  the  offspring  of  their 
noble  landlord's  benevolent  mind;  when  they  considerhow  much 
it  owes  to  his  patronage  and  princely  munificence,  and  how  con- 
ducive it  may  prove  to  the  future  embellishment  of  Kells,  they 
feel  themselves  encouraged  not  only  to  solicit,  but  even  to  hope 
for  this  additional  flattering  mark  of  his  Lordship's  gracious 
condescension  in  their  favour. 

"  In  the  name  and  on  the  part  of  the  R.  Catholics  of  Kells. 

"  P.  O'REILLY,  P.P." 

Letter  of  Dr.  PlunJcet  to  Lord  Bective. 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  When  one  of  the  first  noblemen  in  the  kingdom  has 
the  goodness  to  perform  the  ceremony  of  laying  the  foundation- 
stone  of  a  R.  Catholic  chapel,  it  seems  to  be  the  duty  of  the  R. 
Catholic  superior  of  the  diocese  to  attend  on  the  occasion.  Re- 
spect, decorum,  andagrateful  senseof  the  honour  conferred  bysuch 
condescension,  appear  to  demand  his  attendance.  Actuated  by 
these  motives,  my  Lord;  I  should  not  think  myself  free  to  be  absent 
from  Kells  to-morrow,  when  the  parish  priest  will  have  the 
honour  of  receiving  your  Lordship  on  the  chapel  ground,  did 
not  a  certain  kind  of  delicacy  (whether  well  or  ill  founded  I 
shall  not  determine)  induce  me  to  believe  that  my  presence 
might  not  be  agreeable.  In  the  dispute  to  which  a  late 
vacancy  of  the  parish  gave  rise,  I  had  the  misfortune  to  have 
been  a  party.  Necessity  made  me  so,  not  inclination.  Never 
have  I  regretted  anything  with  deeper  concern  than  the  conse- 
quences of  that  dispute.  From  the  principles  which  then 
guided  my  conduct  I  could  not  depart,  without  abandoning  the 
station  I  held.  Some,  it  is  probable,  have  been  offended  by 
this  adhesion  to  principle.  Fearing  lest  my  appearance  at  the 
solemn  ceremony  should  wound  their  feelings,  or  revive  the 
memory  of  a  contest  long  since  buried,  I  hope,  in  oblivion, 
prudence  will  not  allow  me  to  do  myself  the  honour  of  attend- 
ing with  Rev.  Mr.  O'Reilly,  or  to  indulge  in  the  satisfaction  of 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.   PLUNKET.  223 

mingling  with  the  joyful  crowd  that  will  surround  your  Lord- 
ship to-morrow.  This  consideration,  I  flatter  myself,  will  not 
be  deemed  by  your  Lordship  an  insufficient  apology  for  my 
absence  from  a  ceremony  at  which  otherwise  I  should  assist 
with  inexpressible  pleasure. 

"  Interested  as  I  am  in  the  honour  of  religion  and  the 
decency  of  the  divine  worship,  I  beg  leave,  my  Lord,  to  avail  my- 
self of  this  opportunity  to  offer  the  homage  of  my  thanks  and 
gratitude  for  your  Lordship's  princely  donation  to  the  R. 
Catholics  of  Kells.  By  its  importance,  and  the  noble  manner 
in  which  it  comes  from  your  Lordship,  it  is  calculated  to  make 
the  happiest!  mpression  in  the  present  times ; — it  wins  the  hearts 
of  the  people,  and  is  diffusing  a  spirit  of  loyal  union  in  the 
country.  May  your  Lordship  live  long  to  enjoy  the  fruit  of 
such  beneficence  and  liberality. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect,  my  Lord, 
"  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  and  very  hu.nble  servant, 

"  »&  P.  J.  PLUNKET. 

"Navan,  6th  April,  1798." 

Extract  of  a  Letter  from  an  Inhabitant*  of  Kells  to  a, 
Friend  in  Dublin. 

"18th  April,  1798. 

"  On  Saturday,  the  7th  instant,  about  one  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon,  the  Right  Honourable  the  Earl  Bective,  of  Bective 
Castle,  laid  the  foundation-stone  of  the  new  chapel  of  Kells,  in 
the  presence  of  a  great  concourse  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town 
and  parish,  and  of  the  neighbouring  gentry.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
O'Reilly,  parish  priest,  had  the  honour  of  presenting  to  his 
Lordship,  in  the  name  of  the  Roman  Catholic  parishioners,  in 
testimony  of  their  grateful  acknowledgment,  an  elegant  silver 
trowel,  ornamented  with  an  inscription  recording  his  Lordship's 
princely  donation  of  the  chapel-ground,  munificent  contribution 
towards  the  construction  of  the  sacred  edifice,  and  the  ceremony 
of  the  day.  A  brass  plate,  with  an  incription  of  the  same  pur- 
port, to  perpetuate  the  auspicious  event,  was  fixed  in  the  foun- 

*  This  letter  was  published  in  the  papers  at  the  time,  and  reprinted  in 
small  pamphets.  I  found  the  above  copy  amongst  Dr.  Plunket's  papers. 


224:  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.   PLTJNKET. 

dation-stone.     For  the  occasion  also  were  prepared  a  hammer^ 
and  a  silk  apron  beautifully  trimmed  with  silver. 

"  Arrived  at  the  angle  of  the  foundation  line,  which  is  nearest 
to  Headfort  House  and  magnificent  demense,  where  the  first 
stone  was  to  be  laid,  Earl  Bective  put  on  the  apron,  and  during 
a  short  space  alternately  handled  the  trowel  and  hammer.  This 
his  Lordship  did  in  so  superior  a  style,  that  on  the  spot  he  was 
pronounced  the  first  mason  in  Ireland.  The  spectators  admired 
the  cheerfulness  and  affability  of  his  manner,  free  from  stiffness 
and  constraint,  and  could  not  but  see  how  much  his  heart  ap- 
proved what  his  hand  was  doing.  His  Lordship  threw  a  hand- 
ful of  gold  on  the  foundation-stone,  struck  it  thrice  with  the 
hammer,  and,  good-will,  kindness,  and  philanthropy  beaming 
in  his  countenance,  wished  every  success  to  the  work  thus  hap- 
pily begun. 

"  Ascending  from  the  foundation-stone,  the  noble  mason  was 
received  with  loud  huzzas  and  acclamations  :  '  Long  live  the 
Earl  Bective,  our  illustrious  benefactor  and  friend  !'  His  Lord- 
ship graciously  saluted  the  surrounding  crowd,  and  with  infinite 
condescension,  joined  in  their  exultation. 

"  The  sensations  of  delight  which  burst  forth  among  those 
who  were  present  on  this  occasion  are  more  easily  conceived 
than  described.  Rapid  as  lightning,  the  magic  infection  of  Earl 
Bective's  benevolence  and  liberality  flew  from  breast  to  breast, 
and  glowed  in  every  face  I  saw.  How  could  a  scene,  in 
every  respect  unusual  here,  be  contemplated  with  ordinary  feel- 
ings 1  On  the  more  aged  Roman  Catholics  the  impression  was 
astonishing,  deep,  and  lively.  Long  as  they  had  lived  they  had 
not  seen  so  proud  a  day.  They  wept  with  joy ;  nor  was,  I 
must  affirm  it,  the  joy  confined  to  any  one  description  of  people. 
For  the  honour  of  human  nature,  I  will  not  suppose  that  the 
Heart  of  a  single  individual,  of  whatever  persuasion,  present, 
Avas  so  bereft  of  every  sentiment  that  exalts  and  ennobles  man, 
as  to  repine  or  grieve,  when  such  a  multitude  of  neighbours  and 
friends  rejoiced  and  were  made  happy. 

"  How  the  noble  Earl  was  affected  during  the  ceremony,  we 
may  infer  from  the  satisfaction  which  was  strongly  painted  in 
his  Lordship's  countenance.  Conscious  that  he  was  performing 
an  act  not  more  useful  to  his  numerous  Roman  Catholic  tenants, 
than  grateful  to  the  Roman  Catholic  body  at  large,  his  Lordship 
even  then  began  to  enjoy  that  delicious  self-gratification  which 
is  the  never-failing  reward  of  public  spirit  and  beneficence. 


THE   BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET.  225 

How  charming  and  amiable  is  nobility,  when  ardent  to  avail 
itself  of  the  opportunities  that  offer  to  promote  the  happiness 
of  others  !  Earl  Bective,  accustomed  to  think  for  himself,  pos- 
sessing a  mind  sagacious  and  discerning,  enlightened  by  long 
acquaintance  with  the  men  and  manners  of  the  most  polished 
nations  in  Europe,  felt  the  importance  of  propagating,  by  ex- 
ample, general  and  liberal  principles,  and  of  diffusing  among 
his  tenants,  at  the  present  period,  a  spirit  of  harmony  and  con 
cord.  No  sooner  did  a  conspicuous  opportunity,  favourable  to 
his  views,  present  itself,  than  it  was  embraced  by  his  Lordship. 
Earl  Bective  inherits  the  town  of  Kells  from  his  noble  progeni- 
tor. His  claim  to  the  love  and  affection  of  the  Roman  Catholic 
inhabitants  of  the  town  is  of  a  superior  order — it  is  founded  in 
the  elevation  of  his  own  mind,  and  in  the  benevolence  of  his 
own  heart :  by  those  fascinating  qualities  he  won  them  on 
Saturday,  the  7th  instant ;  from  that  day  may  be  dated  an  at- 
tachment on  their  part  to  his  Lordship  of  so  inviolable  a  kind, 
that  it  can  end  only  with  their  existence.  Surrounded  in  the 
moment  of  danger,  should  it  ever  happen,  by  this  loyal  and 
grateful  people,  his  Lordship  would,  I  am  convinced,  be  not  less 
secure  than  in  the  midst  of  his  royal  Meath  militia,  by  whom 
he  is  adored — whose  every  sword  would  leap  from  the  scabbard 
to  defend  his  life  or  honour." 


Tlte  following  Lines  were  inscribed  on  a  Plate  fixed  i/ti 
the  Foundation  Stone  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Chapel  of 
Kells,  laid  by  the  Right  Hon.  Earl  Bective,  April,. 
1798  :— 

"  Comes  de  Bective,  de  Bective  Castle, 

Regalis  militise  Midensis  dux, 

Hujus  aedis  Deo  sacrse,  cui  fitum, 

Et  aream  assignavit,  quam  eere  proprio 

Promovit  munificentissime,  primum 

Lapidem  posuit,  prsesente  frequentissimo 

Populo,  die  septimo  Aprilis, 

Anni  salutis  1798." 


Q 


226  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET. 

The  following  Lines  were  inscribed  on  the  Silver  Trowel 
presented  to  Earl  Bective : — 

"  Comiti  de  Bective,  de  Bective  Castle, 
Regalis  militise  Midensis  duci, 

Qui 

Situm  et  aream  assignavit 

Templo  Kenannasensi  Catholico, 

Quod  sere  proprio  ornavit 

Munificentissime 

Cujusque  prim.  lap. 

Ad.  Eelig.  et  Concord,  provendam, 

Posuit  die  septim.  Aprilis,  1798. 

Incolae  Kenannasenses  Catholici, 

G.  A.  test. 

DD.  CC." 

On  the  24th  of  June,  1798,  the  Very  Rev.  Peter  Flood, 
the  old  collegiate  friend  of  Dr.  Plunket,  who  had  been 
recently  appointed  President  of  the  College  of  Maynooth, 
writes  the  following : — 

"  MY  LORD  AND  MOST  WORTHY  FRIEND, 

"We  commence  vacation  this  day.  Prudence  prevents 
me  from  entering  into  any  details.  Give  me  leave  to  refer  your 
Lordship  to  the  bearer,  Mr.  Keogan,  or  Mr.  Koe,  for  particu- 
lars. I  hope  ere  long  to  see  you  in  person,  and,  os  ad  os  loqui,  I 
shall  only  tell  you  at  present  that  I  act  under  the  instructions 
and  advice  of  Lord  Castlereagh,  Secretary  Cooke,  Dr.  Troy, 
and  Lord  Kenmare.  I  waited  on  Lord  Castlereagh  twice  la.st 
week,  and  I  am  happy  to  inform  you  that  he  has  repeatedly  as- 
sured me  that  the  College  should  continue  to  enjoy  the  fullest, 
protection  from  Government.  We  received,  a  few  days  ago, 
from  the  Treasury — without  solicitation — £750.  We  expect, 
Deo  juvante.  to  resume  studies  on  the  24th  or  25th  of  August 
next,  but  I  fear  it  will  not  be  in  our  power  to  receive  addi- 
tional students;  pendent  opera  interrupta:  all  our  carpenteis, 
slaters,  joiners,  &c.,  have  been  forced  away  by  the  insurgents. 
Some  of  these  miscreants  have  repeatedly  threatened  to  make 
the  students  march  in  their  ranks.  God  convert  them,  and 
bring  them  to  a  sense  of  their  duty. 

"Rev.  Messrs.  Keogan,  Roe,  Kennedy, White,  Kelly, Kearney, 
and  Bannon,  set  out  to-morrow.  I  have  no  reproach  to  make 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET.  227 

them.  Tliey  are  irreproachable  as  to  their  conduct  and  morals. 
Keoghan  and  Kennedy  will,  I  natter  myself,  prove  an  acquisi- 
tion to  the  diocese  of  Meath The  Lord  knows  I 

have  scarce  enjoyed  a  day's  peace  or  quiet  since  I  came  here — 
from  one  embarrassment  into  another.  I  own  to  you  that  I  am 
heartily  tired  of  the  Presidency.  But,  in  every  state  and  situa- 
tion, 

"  Believe  me  to  be, 
"  With  the  greatest  respect  and  unalterable  friendship, 

my  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  devoted,  humble  servant, 

"P.  FLOOD." 

On  the  21st  of  August,  same  year,  Dr.  Flood  writes 
again : — 

"  MY  LORD  AND  MOST  WORTHY  FRIEND, 

"  Your  late  kind  favour  reached  me  in  Dublin  on  Mon- 
day last.  I  arrived  last  night  here,  firmly  resolved  to  set  out 
for  Navan  on  to-morrow — man  proposes  but  God  disposes.  On 
my  arrival  here,  I  found  my  favourite  mare  sprained  in  her 
back.  The  servant  tells  me  she  leaped  over  a  ditch  and  fell. 
She  cost  me  22  guineas.  I  would  give  her  now  for  the  price 
of  her  skin  ;  and,  to  add  to  my  misfortunes,  not  a  beast  can  be 
found  here  for  love  or  money.  Perhaps  I  may  be  more  fortu- 
nate in  the  County  Longford  ;  if  so,  I  shall  wait  on  his  Lordship 
of  Meath  at  my  return.  At  present  I  must  travel  in  the  day 
coach.  I  had  the  honour  of  sending  you  by  last  post,  under 
Lord  Castlereagh's  frank,  the  programme  of  our  studies  for  the 
ensuing  academical  year.  I  hope  it  may  meet  with  your 
Lordship's  approbation.  I  would  willingly  have  written  by 
the  same  opportunity,  but  that  was  judged  inexpedient. 

"  ;Tis  with  regret  I  must  inform  you  that  our  works  have 
been  almost  stationary  here  these  three  months  past.  Under 
the  pressure  of  the  times,  little  or  nothing  could  have  been 
done.  We  have  about  450  of  the  military  quartered  in  this 
little  town.  The  houses  tenanted  by  the  college  last  year  are 
full  of  soldiers,  and  hence  I  fear  we  can  have  few  or  no  externs. 
I  am  preparing,  with  all  possible  expedition,  reoms  in  the  new 
biiilding  for  the  50  students  on  the  present  establishment,  and 
I  think  I  shall  be  able  to  accommodate  one  additional  subject 
from  each  diocese.  We  shall  then  be  75  on  the  17th  of  next 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DE.  PLUNKET. 

month;  50  more  will  be  received  before  Christmas,  and  I 
flatter  myself  we  shall  have  accommodation  for  the  stated 
number,  200,  before  the  1st  of  March,  1799.  I  need  not  tell 
your  Lordship  what  the  resolves  of  the  Board  are  relative  to 
the  pre-requisites  for  admission.  Let  me  request  you  will  not 
forget  the  6  guineas  entrance,  and  the  certificate  of  the  oath  of 
allegiance. 

"  I  have  waited  on  our  trustees  in  office  with  copies  of  our 
programme  presented  to  Lord  Castlereagh;  one  for  his  Ex- 
cellency— all  is  well.  Dr.  Troy,  Lord  Fingall,  and  Lord 
Kenmare  are  of  opinion  that  none  of  these  ordered  out  of 
college  last  May  be  re-admitted  at  present ;  and  I  fully  concur 
with  them,  for  good  and  cogent  reasons. 

"  I  am,  and  ever  shall  be,  with  the  greatest  respect,  my  Lord, 
"  Your  Lordship's  most  devoted  humble  servant, 

"PETER  FLOOD." 

On  the  26th  of  September,  same  year,  the  Primate 
writes  to  Dr.  Plunket  from  Drogheda  : — 

"  MY  DEAR  AND  MOST  HONOURED  LORD, 

"I  lose  no  time  to  inform  your  Lordship  that  an 
additional  number  of  25  students  is  to  be  received  on  the 
establishment  in  St.  Patrick's  College,  Maynooth,  about  the 
middle  of  October.  Seven  or  nine  are  to  be  received  from 
this  province.  Your  Lordship  will  send  two.  The  remaining 
places  shall  be  distributed  among  the  other  dioceses,  agreeably 
to  the  regulation  made  by  us  at  the  opening  of  the  college. 
Rev.  Mr.  Harford  was  so  good  as  to  promise  to  forward  to 
your  Lordship  the  copy  of  a  rescript  received  some  time  ago 
from  Rome,  which  I  gave  him  for  you,  and  also  £4  9s.  5Jd., 
your  quota  of  the  last  gale  of  the  R  remittance,  which  I  also 
handed  to  him  to  be  transmitted  to  your  Lordship.  I  hope 
you  enjoy  good  health  and  spirits.  Mine,  thanks  be  to  God, 
are  tolerably  good.  I  need  not  remind  your  Lordship  that 
each  student,  in  being  admitted  into  the  college,  is  to  pay  six 
guineas  entrance,  and  to  produce  a  certificate  of  his  having 
taken  the  oath  of  allegiance. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  sincerest  esteem  and  respect, 

"  My  dear  and  most  honoured  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  affectionate  and  very  humble  servant, 

"  RICHARD  REILLY." 


THE  BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET.  229 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

ORIGIN  OF  THE  VETO.  —  RESOLUTIONS  OF  THE  TEN 
BISHOPS.  —  LETTER  OF  DR.  FLOOD,  PRESIDENT  OF 
MAYNOOTH  COLLEGE. 

IN  the  following  resolutions,  found  amongst  the  papers  of 
Dr.  Plunket,  we  have  the  origin  of  the  celebrated 
question  of  the  veto — a  question  which  subsequently  dis- 
tracted and  divided  the  country  for  many  years.  The 
wholesale  executions  of  1798,  and  the  unlimited  licence  o^ 
oppression  permitted  to  all  who  were  anti-Catholic  an4 
anti-Irish,  reduced  the  people  to  the  last  degree  of  misery 
and  desolation.  Martial  law  reigned  supreme ;  wealth, 
promotion,  and  worldly  honours  awaited  political  turpi- 
tude— it  was  treason  to  love  Ireland,  and  death  to  defend 
her ;  the  country  was  overrun  with  military.  There  was 
no  protection  for  life  or  property ;  all  constitutional 
action  was  dispersed  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet;  free- 
dom, there  was  none.  Ireland  was  treated  as  a  conquered 
— as  an  enemy's  country — and  thus,  in  the  hour  of  our 
prostration  and  helplessness,  we  were  robbed  of  our 
national  independence.  It  was  at  this  sad  hour,  too,  that 
the  British  Government  sought  to  accomplish  another 
conquest,  and  that  was  the  subversion  of  the  faith  of  the 
Catholic  people  of  Ireland.  Penal  laws  the  most 
atrocious,  massacres,  confiscations,  the  galling,  grinding, 
and  bigotted  tyranny  of  200  years,  all  failed  to  uproot 
the  faith  of  Catholic  Ireland.  She  could  not  be  killed  by 
the  sword,  and  the  British  minister  now  sought  to  poison 
her  with  a  golden  draught.  To  effect  this  end,  she  waa 
to  be  clad  in  purple  robes  if  she  consented  to  be  bound 
with  chains  of  gold,  and  to  have  round  her  brow  the 
fillets  of  royalty,  provided  she  vowed  fidelity  to  her  new 
spouse,  and  allowed  the  serpentine  embrace  of  British 
love  for  Catholic  Ireland  to  convey  the  virus  to  her  very 
heart.  The  bribe,  for  such  assuredly  it  was,  must  be  re- 


230  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

garded  as  the  more  insidious  and  dangerous,  inasmuch  as  it 
promised  repeal  of  the  iniquitous  penal  code,  complete 
Catholic  Emancipation,  arid  a  new  regime  of  justice  to 
the  afflicted  country — concessions  which  the  Irish  prelates, 
from  long  and  bitter  experience,  had  little  or  no  hopes  of 
ever  obtaining  from  the  Protestant  Parliament  of  Ireland. 
In  a  word,  visions  of  glory  and  happiness  were  held  before 
.the  Irish  church.  Her  days  of  slavery,  her  long  nights  of 
bondage,  were  to  have  passed  away.  She  was  to  come 
forth  from  the  catacombs,  decked  with  all  the  dazzling 
finery  of  a  queen,  but  only  that  she  might  sicken  and  pine 
under  the  baleful  shadow  of  British  supremacy.  How- 
ever, there  was  faith  still  in  Israel,  as  my  Lord  Castle- 
reagh  and  his  wily  and  astute  employers  found  to  their 
cost. 

' "  At  a  meeting  of  the  E.  C.  prelates,*  held  in  Dublin  the 
17th,  18th,  and  19th  January,  1799,  to  deliberate  on  a  proposal 
from  Government  of  an  independent  provision  for  the  R.  C. 
clergy  of  Ireland,  under  certain  regulations  not  incompatible  with 
their  doctrines,  discipline,  or  just  influence, 

"  It  was  admitted  that  a  provision  through  Government  for 
the  R.  C.  clergy  of  this  kingdom,  competent  and  secured,  ought 
to  be  thankfully  accepted. 

"That  in  the  appointment  of  the  prelates  of  the  R  C. 
religion  to  vacant  Sees  within  the  kingdom,  such  interference 
of  Government  as  may  enable  it  to  be  satisfied  of  the  loyalty  of 
the  person  to  be  appointed,  is  just,  and  ought  to  be  agreed  to. 

"  That,  to  give  this  principle  its  full  operation,  without  in- 

-  fringing  the  discipline  of  the  K.  C.  Church,  or  diminishing  the 

religious  influence  which  prelates  of  that  Church  ought  justly  to 

possess  over  their  respective  flocks,  the  following  regulations 

appear  necessary : — 

"1st.  In  the  vacancy  of  a  See,  the  clergy  of  the  diocese  re- 
commend, as  usual,  a  candidate  to  the  prelates  of  the  ecclesias- 


*  These  old  men  meant  well,  and  their  mistakes  arose  from  their  great 
anxiety  to  see  peace  and  prosperity  in  the  country.  Although  they  had 
all  the  simplicity  of  the  dove,  the  British  ministers  superabounded  in  the 
.canning  of  the  serpent. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DB.  PLUNKET.  231 

tical  province,  who  elect  him,  or  any  other  they  may  think  more 
worthy,  by  a  majority  of  suffrages.  In  the  case  of  equality  of 
suffrages,  the  metropolitan  or  senior  prelate  to  have  a  casting 
vote. 

"2nd.  In  the  election  of  a  metropolitan,  if  the  provincial 
prelates  do  not  agree  within  two  months  from  the  vacancy,  the 
senior  prelate  shall  forthwith  invite  the  surviving  metropolitans 
to  the  election,  in  which  each  will  then  have  a  vote.  In  the 
equality  of  suffrages,  the  presiding  metropolitan  to  have  the 
casting  vote. 

"  3rd.  In  these  elections  the  majority  of  suffrages  must  be 
ultra  medietatem,  as  the  canons  require,  or  must  consist  of 
[erased]  suffrages  of  more  than  half  the  electors. 

"  4th.  The  candidate  so  elected  will  be  presented  by  the 
president  of  the  election  to  Government,  which,  within  one 
month  after  such  presentation,  will  transmit  the  name  of  said 
candidate  (if  no  objection  be  against  him)  for  appointment  to 
the  Holy  See,  or  return  said  name  to  the  president  of  the 
election  for  such  transmission  as  may  be  agreed  on. 

"  5th.  If  Government  have  any  proper  objection  against 
such  candidate,  the  president  of  the  election  will  be  informed 
thereof  within  one  month  after  presentation,  who,  in  that  case, 
will  convene  the  electors,  and  proceed  to  the  election  of  another 
candidate. 

"Agreeably  to  the  discipline  of  the  E.  C.  Church,  these 
regulations  can  have  no  effect  without  the  sanction  of  the  Holy 
See,  which  sanction  the  R.  C.  prelates  of  this  kingdom  shall, 
as  soon  as  may  be,  use  their  endeavours  to  procure. 

"The  prelates  are  satisfied  that  the  nomination  of  parish 
priests,  with  a  certificate  of  their  having  taken  the  oath  of 
allegiance,  be  notified  to  Government." 

The  prelates  composing  the  Board  of  May noofch  College 
who,  for  a  time,  were  caj  oled  by  Castlereagh,  were — Dr 
O'Reilly  of  Armagh ;  Dr.  Troy  of  Dublin ;  Dr.  Dillon  of 
Tuam ;  Dr.  Bray  of  Cashel ;  Dr.  Plunket  of  Meath  ;  Dr. 
Moylan  of  Cork  ;  Dr.  Delaney  of  Kildare  ;  Dr.  French  of 
Elphin  ;  Dr.  Caulfield  of  Ferns  ;  and  Dr.  Cruise  of  Ardagh. 
They  agreed  "that  in  the  appointment  of  Roman  Catholic 
prelates  to  vacant  Sees  within  the  kingdom,  such  inter- 
ference of  Government  as  may  enable  it  to  be  satisfied  of 


232  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

the  loyalty  of  the  person  appointed,  is  just,  and  ought  to 
be  agreed  to."  They  wisely,  however,  referred  all  to  the 
Pope,  "that,  agreeably  to  the  discipline  of  the  Roman 
Catholic  Church,  these  regulations  can  have  no  effect  with- 
out the  sanction  of  the  Holy  See."  This  was  the  origin 
of  the  question  of  the  veto,  which  disturbed  the  tran- 
quillity of  the  Irish  Church  for  many  years ;  and  it  is  just 
to  the  memory  of  the  parish  priests  of  Meath,  to  record 
that  at  all  the  conferences  of  the  diocese  they  indignantly 
expressed  their  dissent,  and  ultimately  brought  Dr.  Plun- 
ket  round  to  their  views. 

On  the  8th  of  March,  1799,  Dr.  Flood,  President  of  the 
College  of  Maynooth,  writes  to  Dr.  Plunket : — 

"  MY  LORD  AND  MOST  WORTHY  FRIEND, 

"  I  am  so  weak,  and  my  sight  is  so  dim,  that  I  can  scarce 

hold  the  pen  or  see  what  I  write I  should  he 

happy,  indeed,  in  waiting  on  your  Lordship  at  Navan  ;  but  my 
health  would,  I  fear,  suffer  much  from  the  journey,  and  were  I 
even  perfectly  well,  I  could  not  be  absent  on  Holy  Thursday. 
Charity  begins  at  home.  I  must  attend  my  own  flock  on  that 

day 

"  Though  ill  prepared  for  an  augmentation  or  increase  of  our 
numbers,  ;tis,  nevertheless,  thought  not  only  expedient,  but 
necessary,  it  should  take  place  about  the  20th  of  next  mo  ."h. 
We  shall  then,  God  willing,  have  about  150  students  01.  tiie 
establishment  before  the  end  of  April.  Be  pleased  then,  my 
Lord,  to  send  your  contingent  before  that  time  ;  let  them  be 
here,  if  possible,  about  the  20th  of  said  month.  We  intend  to 
complete  our  full  number  of  200  about  the  end  of  June.  We 
are  threatened,  in  case  of  non-compliance,  Avith  a  subtraction  of 
a  considerable  part  of  the  grant. 

"  I  am  quite  tired,  but  in  every  state  of  health  always  your 
Lordship's. 

"  P.  FLOOD." 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  233 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

LETTERS  FROM  THE  ROMAN  AGENT. — FROM  A  LADY. — FROM 
THE  ARCHBISHOP  OF  ARMAGH. — LORD  CASTLEREAGH'S 
QUERIES. — REPLY  OF  DR.  PLUNKET. 

FATHER  CONNOLLY  writes  as  follows  to  Dr.  Plunket : — 

"  Rome,  January  18th,  1800. 

"  RIGHT  REV.  AND  DEAR  SIR, 

"  I  would  have  had  the  honour  of  addressing  a  few  lines 
to  your  Lordship  upon  the  departure  of  the  French  army  from 
this  city,  the  2nd  of  October  last,  were  it  not  that,  being  sure 
your  Lordship  would  have  early  information  of  that  happy 
event,  at  least  by  the  public  prints,  I  thought  it  better  to  wait 
until  I  could  inform  your  Lordship  that  the  British  colleges 
and  convents  were  restored,  with  all  their  possessions,  to  their 
rightful  owners.  I  supposed  that  this  was  to  happen  without 
delay,  as  the  Neapolitan  Commander-in-chief,  soon  after  his 
arrival  here,  declared  by  an  edict  that  the  purchasers  of  all 
ecclesiastical  property  confiscated  by  the  late  Roman  Republic, 
were  void  and  null.  He,  however,  soon  after,  by  another  edict, 
permitted  said  purchasers  to  continue  to  possess  that  property 
as  tenants  to  Government,  with  orders  that  the  rents  and  other 
profits  should  be  paid  to  the  Neapolitan  General-Administrator 
of  confiscated  goods.  In  compliment  to  England,  a  Mr.  Faga-n, 
a  layman,  was  by  said  commander  made  administrator  of  all 
the  English  funds  and  possessions  here,  but  with  directions  to 
receive  the  rents  and  products  thereof  for  the  Neapolitans  only. 
The  few  British  subjects  here,  finding  themselves  thus  treated, 
sent  a  proper  statement  of  their  grievances  to  Sir  William 
Hamilton  and  Admiral  Nelson,*  at  Palermo.  The  King  of 
Naples  has,  in  consequence  of  those  gentlemen's  remonstrance, 
to  him  in  our  behalf,  lately  sent  Mr.  Fagan  extensive  powers 
with  regard  to  all  English  property  here ;  and,  by  this  means, 
we  are  now  in  possession  of  our  property,  and  manage  it  our- 
selves, after  having  lived  here  near  two  years  at  our  own  ex- 
pense in  expectation  of  better  days.  Scarce  any  of  the  goods 

*  How  kind  Providence  raises  up,  if  not  children,  at  least  allies,  to  Abra- 
ham from  the  very  stones.  Witness,  too,  how  these  church  robbers  quaked 
before  the  strong. 


234  THE   BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DR.    PLUNKET. 

and  possessions  of  the  very  many  other  suppressed  colleges, 
convents,  and  confrairies,  were  yet  recovered  by  the  rightful 
owners,  altho'  an  edict  from  the  King  of  Naples,  ordering  a 
general  restoration  of  them,  was  published  here  above  a  month 
ago.  The  British  subjects  here  flatter  themselves  that  THEY 
will  not  be  forced  to  pay  the  contribution  ordered  by  that 
edict  to  be  laid  on  all  said  goods  upon  their  being  given  back 
to  the  owners.  The  purchaser  of  the  Irish  Augustinian  Con- 
vent here  demolished  the  Church  and  the  greatest  part  of  the 
convent.  The  same  was  to  happen  to  the  Irish  Franciscan 
Convent,  had  the  purchaser  had  a  little  more  time.  Your 
Lordship  has  undoubtedly  seen  a  plan  of  the  Church  of  St. 
Clement,  in  Le  Brun's  "  Explication  de  la  Messe,"  in  Mabil- 
lon,  Montfaucon,  and  other  celebrated  writers  on  sacred  anti- 
quities. By  having  obtained  leave  from  the  Eepublic  to  open 
that  church  after  its  suppression,  and  serve  the  public  in  it,  as 
chaplain  and  confessor,  without  any  emolument,  I  have  saved 
it  from  destruction,  as  also  the  convent  and  library.  When  the 
organ  and  the  best  of  the  furniture  of  the  convent  were  to  be 
sold  by  the  Republic,  I  bought  them  at  a  very  low  rate.  It 
was  to  render  this  service  to  my  order  that  I  determined  to  stay 
here,  if  permitted  by  the  Republic.  This  city  is  in  a  deplorable 
state,  owing  to  a  great  scarcity  of  provisions,  particularly  bread, 
and  the  number  of  robberies  committed  almost  every  night 
in  the  streets,  houses,  and  even  churches.  Our  affliction  is  in- 
creasing by  not  knowing  when  we  shall  have  a  Pope,  who  is 
to  be  Pope,  nor  where  he  is  to  reside  when  made.  Cardinal 
Mattei,  who  had  lately  seventeen  votes  for  that  dignity,  is  a 
Roman  Prince  by  birth,  and  eminent  for  his  piety. 

"  I  am  sorry  Mr.  Ferres,  the  Lazarist,  now  I  suppose  at 
Maynooth,  has  left  after  him  here  a  parcel  I  gave  him,  in  which, 
'with  a  few  articles  for  others,  I  put  a  map  of  Rome,  and  some 
prints  of  the  late  Pope,  for  your  Lordship.  I  shall  send  them, 
with  some  prints  of  the  next  Pope,  and  the  decree  for  the 
parish  of  Mullingar,  by  the  next  good  opportunity.  .  .  . 

"  I  request  your  Lordship  will  please  to  present  my  respects 
to  Father  Bernard  Coffey. 
"  I  am, 

"  With  the  most  sincere  respect  and  profound  veneration, 
"  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient,  obliged,  and 
humble  servant, 

"  FR.  JOHN  CONNOLLY. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DE.  PLUNKET.  235 

"  P.S. — Ecclesiastics  are  excluded  from  all  civil  employment 
here  by  the  Neapolitans.  The  Germans  command  in  all  parts 
of  this  State  that  lie  north  of  Rome.  The  populace  heartily 
detest  democracies  and  Jacobins,  and  are,  with  the  rest  of  the 
city,  sighing  for  the  old  government.  Cardinal  Albani,  Dean 
of  the  Sacred  College,  was  lately  obliged  to  pay  the  Neapolitans,' 
as  a  contribution,  a  fourth  part  of  a  year's  income  of  his  diocese, 
in  order  to  recover  its  temporalities  that  were  confiscated  by 
the  French.  My  kind  respects  to  Rev.  Mr.  Hanlon." 

The  following  letter  will  tend  to  illustrate  the  happy 
relationship  that  existed  between  Dr.  Plunket  and  the 
respectable  laity  of  his  diocese.  It  is  dated,  "  North- 
street,  17th  December,  1800  :"— 

"  MY  LORD, 

"The  unremitted  attention  and  regard  at  all  times 
evinced  by  you  for  me  and  my  family,  the  kind  and  conde- 
scending part  at  present  taken  in  favour  of  my  son,  and  the 
consolation  conveyed  in  your  truly  sympathising  letter — all 
together  call  forth  a  degree  of  gratitude  more  easily  conceived 
than  by  me  expressed. 

"  Rev.  Mr.  Grace  has  had  no  opportunity  of  delivering  your 
lettertotheMost  Rev.Dr.  Troy,  that  gentleman  being  out  of  town. 

"  Surely,  my  Lord,  you  greatly  overrate  any  trifling  atten- 
tion shown  you  by  a  family  whose  highest  gratification  would 
be  to  have  it  in  their  power  to  compliment  you,  and  who  were 
taught  to  respect  and  admire  Dr.  Plunket  long  before  they  had 
the  pleasure  of  a  personal  acquaintance.  Mary  and  Anne,  who 
are  highly  flattered  by  your  kind  remembrance  of  them,  request 
their  respectful  regards,  and  unite  with  me  in  sincerely  wishing 
you  many  happy  returns  of  the  approaching  season,  and  the 
enjoyment  of  that  uninterrupted  state  of  good  health  which 
may  enable  you  to  continue,  as  usual,  the  zealous  chief  pastor 
and  ornament  of  the  clergy. 

"  As  my  friend,  Rev.  Mr.  Kearney,  cannot,  on  your  next 
visitation,  accommodate  you  as  he  would  wish,  I  shall  consider  it 
as  a  favour  if  your  Lordship,  at  that  time,  will  do  me  the  plea- 
sure to  make  my  house  your  own. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  great  respect  and  esteem, 

"  Your  Lordship's  obliged  and  obedient  humble  servant, 

"  ANNE  STONEY." 


236  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

The  Primate,  Dr.  O'Reilly,  writes  from  Drogheda  on 
the  31st  of  October,  1800  :— 

"  MY  DEAR  LORD, 

"  The  annexed  queries  were  forwarded  to  me  from  Lord 
•  Castlereagh,  by  the  Most  Eev.  Dr.  Troy,  to  be  communicated 
to  the  prelates  of  this  province,  with  a  request  from  his  Lord- 
ship that  they  will  answer  them,  as  far  as  they  regard  their 
respective  dioceses,  without  delay.  It  is  expected  that  the 
answers  will  be  ready  by  the  12th  of  next  month,  when  the 
annual  meeting  of  our  Board  is  to  be  held,  which,  it  is  expected, 
will  be  attended  not  only  by  all  the  ecclesiastical  trustees,  but  by 
as  many  of  the  other  prelates  as  can  possibly  come.  Your 
Lordship  will  perceive  that  the  queries  proposed  by  the  minister 
have  a  reference  to  the  provision  intended  by  Government  for 
our  clergy,  and  that  that  important  business  is  to  be  the  prin- 
cipal subject  of  our  deliberations  at  our  next  meeting.  I  have 
for  the  present  only  to  add,  that 

"  I  am,  with  sincerest  respect  and  cordial  attachment, 

"  My  dear  and  most  honoured  Lord, 
"  Your  most  affectionate  and  very  humble  servant, 
"  EICHARD  O;BEILLY." 

The  Queries. 

"  1.  What  are  the  R.  Catholic  Bishopricks  in  each  province ; 
which  of  them  are  united ;  what  is  the  income  of  each  ;  whence 
does  it  arise  ;  and  what  are  the  commendams  held  in  each  ? 

"  2.  What  is  the  nature  of  the  chapter  in  each  diocese,  and 
what  stipends  have  the  members  of  each  chapter  as  such  1 

"  3.  What  is  the  number  of  deaneries  in  each  province,  and 
is  their  incomes  made  up,  and  what  are  their  values  1 

"  4.  What  is  the  numbers  of  R.  Catholic  benefices  in  each 
province,  distinguishing  unions  from  simple  benefices ;  and 
what  is  the  value  of  each  benefice,  and  whence  does  the  value 
arise,  and  which  are  the  precise  dues  which  form  the  value, 
and  does  the  value  so  far  arise  from  the  greatness  and  popula- 
tion of  the  benefice  as  to  shew  its  relative  importance  ? 

"5.  What  are  the  number  of  curates  and  coadjutors  in  each 
diocese,  and  to  what  benefices  do  they  belong,  and  whence 
do  they  derive  their  support,  and  are  the  curates  or  coadjutors 
regulars  or  seculars  ? 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET.  237 

"  6.  What  is  the  number  of  monastic  institutions  in  Ireland, 
and  what  number  does  each  contain,  and  how  are  they  sup- 
ported, and  what  duties  do  they  perform  ? 

"  7.  What  is  the  number  of  the  regular  priests  in  Ireland, 
distinguishing  the  orders,  and  the  members  of  each  order  ? 

"  8.  By  whom,  and  by  what  form  of  appointment  or  elec- 
tion, are  the  K  Catholic  metropolitans  and  bishops  consti- 
tuted 1  By  what  form,  &c. ,  are  the  deans  constituted,  the 
prebendaries,  the  rectors,  vicars,  coadjutors,  and  curates  in  each 
diocese  ? 

"  9.  What  are  the  canons  of  discipline  by  which  the  E. 
Catholic  Church  is  regulated  ? 

"10.  What  are  the  regulations  with  respect  to  marriage, 
and  who  can  marry;  and  what  qualifications  are  required, 
what  consent  of  parents,  what  license,  what  dispensations  are 
allowed,  and  how  granted  ? 

"11.  Has  the  Irish  E.  Catholic  Church  any  particular 
liberties  (as  the  Gallican),  and.what  are  they ;  and  is  there 
any  regulation  as  to  appeals  to  Eome  ? 

"EicHAKD  EEILLY." 


Reply  of  Dr.  Plunket.  * 

11  The  diocese  of  Meath  is  divided  into  eight  districts.  The 
annual  income  of  the  Eoman  Catholic  Bishop  of  Meath, 
amounting  to  £362,  arises  from  annual  contributions  of  the 
clergy,  called  proxies,  from  marriage  licences,  and  from  emolu- 
ments of  the  parishes  of  Navan  and  Mullingar,  which  he 
holds  in  commendam. 

"The  average  income  of  the  parish  of  Navan  is  £110,  and 
goes  to  the  support  of  the  bishop  and  two  curates,  who  assist 
him  in  the  care  of  the  parish.  The  average  income  of  the 
parish  of  Mullingar  is  £180,  of  which  sum  two- thirds  go  to 
the  support  of  two  curates  employed  in  the  administration  of 
the  parish. 


*  The  Memoirs  and  Correspondence  of  Viscount  Castlereagh,  vol.  iv., 
p.  106. 


238 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 


Parishes  or  Unions 

Income 

Parish  Priests 

Curates— 
Secular 

Curates  — 
Regular 

District  of 

Kdls. 

Kells 

130 

Secular 

1 

Vicar  or 

Rural  Dean 

Athboy 

80 

do. 

1 

Killiagh 

80 

do. 

1 

Killalon 

110 

do. 

Kilbeg 

60 

do. 

Oldcastle 

100 

do. 

1 

Moynalty 

90 

do. 

1 

C.  T.  Delvin  ... 

110 

do. 

Loghan 

75 

do. 

1  Franciscan 

Ardbraccan     ... 

146 

do. 

Kilskeer 

160 

do. 

District  of 

Duleek. 

St.   Mary's, 

Drogheda    .  .  . 

80 

do. 

1 

... 

Rural  Dean 

Stamullen 

70 

do. 

1 

Duleek 

100 

do. 

1 

1  Franciscan 

Crickstown 

56 

do. 

Skreene 

54 

do. 

... 

1  Franciscan 

Kentstown 

100 

do. 

Donover 

58 

do. 

Ardcath 

70 

do. 

1 

Kilcarne 

54 

do. 

District  of 

DunshaugJilin. 

J)unshaughlin 

80 

do. 

1 

... 

Rural  Dean 

Kilcloon 

60 

do. 

1 

Ratoath 

90 

do. 

Dunboyne 

85 

do. 

Kilmessan 

80 

do. 

Greenoge 

50 

do. 

District  oj 

Trim. 

t 

Trim 

110 

do. 

1 

Knral  Dean 

Clonmaduff     .  .  . 

50 

Franciscan 

2  Franciscans 

THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 


239 


Parishes  »r  Unions 

Income 

Parish  Priests 

Curates  — 
Secular 

Curates— 
Regular 

Clonard 

180 

Secular 

1 

1  Franciscan 

Laracor 

80 

do. 

Gal  trim 

80 

do. 

Kildalky 

80 

do. 

Rathmolyon 

90 

do. 

Killiconicon    .  .  . 

50 

Dominican 

Castle-Rickard 

50 

do. 

... 

1  Dominican 

District  of 

Neman. 

Navan 

110 

Secular 

2 

Heldincowi- 

mendani  by 

the  Bishop. 

Nobber 

60 

do. 

1 

... 

Archdeacon 

Slane 

90 

do. 

1  Dominican 

Eniskeen 

100 

1 

Grange-  Gei  tli  ... 

45 

do'. 

Kilberry 

100 

do. 

C.  T.  Kilpatrick 

80 

do. 

... 

1  Dominican 

Drumcondra   ... 

80 

do. 

Siddan 

80 

do. 

District  of 

Alull'mgar. 

Mullingar 

180 

do. 

1 

1  Dominican 

Heldinco?n.- 

mendam  by 

theBisho 

Castlepollard  ... 

160 

do. 

1 

Eathconnell    .  .  . 

100 

do. 

Fore 

120 

do. 

Mayne 

110 

do. 

Kilbixv 

100 

do. 

Fartullagh      ... 

138 

Dominican 

1  Dominican 

Dysart 

80 

Secular 

Killucan 

80 

do. 

Multifarnam  ... 

60 

Franciscan 

2  Franciscans 

District  of 

Sallymore. 

Rathcondra     .  .  . 

70 

Secular 

Moyvour 

40 

do. 

Castletown- 

Geoghegan  ... 

75 

do. 

1 

240 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 


Parishes  or  Unions 

Income 

Parish  Priests 

Curatei  — 
Secular 

Curates- 
Regular 

Kilbeggan 

70 

Secula» 

Clara 

80 

do. 

1 

Kill     and    Kil- 

monaghan   ... 

77 

do. 

Kilkenny,  West 

35 

do. 

Ballimore 

95 

do. 

1 

... 

Vicar  Gene- 

ral 

Killare 

35 

do. 

District  of 

Balliboy. 

Balliboy 

150 

do. 

1 

Rural  Dean 

Tullamore 

150 

do. 

1 

Eglish. 
Rathen 

80 
90 

Franciscan 
Secular 

1 

Total  Secular  Curates 

•  •• 

25 

Kegular  Curates 

... 

13 

1  *? 

38 

iO 

"  Of  the  67  pastors  of  the  diocese  of  Meath,  6  are  Regulars ; 
and  of  these  6,  3  are  Dominicans  and  3  Franciscans.  Of  the 
38  curates  of  the  diocese  of  Meath,  25  are  Seculars  and  13  are 
Regulars ;  of  the  Regulars,  8  are  Franciscans  and  5  Dominicans. 
In  the  diocese  of  Meath  there  are  4  convents,  or  religious 
houses  ;  one  of  Dominicans,  at  Donore,  in  the  county  of  Meath, 
consisting  of  3  Regulars,  who  have  the  care  of  souls ;  2  of 
Franciscans,  one  at  Courtown,  in  the  county  of  Meath,  con- 
•gisting  of  3  Regulars,  who  have  the  care  of  souls,  and  another 
at  Multifarnam,  in  Westmeath,  consisting  also  of  3  Regulars, 
who  have  the  care  of  souls.  The  fourth  is  a  Carmelite  con- 
vent at  Moat,  in  Westmeath,  in  which  there  is  but  one 
Regular.  There  are,  moreover,  5  other  Regulars  in  the  diocese 
of  Meath,  3  of  whom  are  Dominicans  and  2  Franciscans, 
attached  to  no  particular  convent,  living  with  their  friends, 
serving  as  chaplains,  or  occasionally  assisting  the  parochial 
clergy. 

"PATRICK  JOSEPH  PLUNKET, 

"  Roman  Catholic  Bishop  of  Meath." 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  241 


CHAPTER  XXY. 

LETTER  FROM  THE  ROMAN  AGENT. — FROM  THE  ARCHBISHOP 
OF  DUBLIN. — FROM  A  MEATH  STUDENT  AT  LISBON.— 
LETTER  TO  LORD  CONYNGHAM. 

ON  the  28th  of  February,  1801,  the  Rev.  Father  Connolly 
writes  from  St.  Clement's,  Rome  : — 

"  RIGHT  REV.  AND  DEAR  SIR, 

"  Though  ever  gratefully  mindful  of  the  many  instances 
of  your  Lordship's  most  kind  and  generous  attention  with 
which  I  have  been  honoured,  I  have  hitherto  deferred  returning 
your  Lordship  my  most  sincere  thanks  for  your  never-failing 
kindness 

"  In  a  consistory,  held  the  23rd  instant,  His  Holiness  created 
thirteen  cardinals,  and  reserved  twelve  more  in  petto;  and 
as  Monseigneur  Brancadori  is  among  the  former,  he  is  suc- 
ceeded in  the  office  of  Secretary  of  the  Congregation  of  Propa- 
ganda by  Monseigneur  Coppola,  a  Neapolitan  of  an  illustrious 
family,  accomplished  manners,  exemplary  life,  and  a  good  deal 
of  learning.  He  has  acquired  much  credit*  in  the  office  of 
Secretary  of  the  Congregation  of  Holy  Rites,  which  he  held 
many  years.  Cardinal  Brancadori  goes  soon  to  reside  in  his 
bishopric  of  Orvietto.  The  good,  learned,  pious,  and  super- 
annuated Cardinal  Gerdil  resumed  his  office  of  Prefect  of  Propa- 
ganda. 

"  Cardinal  Livizzani  gave  up  the  Protectorship  of  Ireland, 
because  Cardinal  York  strenuously  urges  the  propriety  and 
necessity  of  our  having  national  rectors  in  the  Irish,  English, 
and  Scotch  colleges  here.  C.  Livizzani  is  quite  averse  to  this 
measure,  but  does  not  choose  to  openly  oppose  Cardinal  York, 
at  whose  recommendation  he  had  been  made  Protector  of  Ire- 
land. Cardinal  Joseph  Doria  is  now  Protector  of  our  country. 
He  is  brother  to  Cardinal  Anthony  Doria  and  to  Prince  Doria, 
of  this  city.  The  commander-in-chief  of  the  French  armies  in 
many  parts  of  this  state  departed  from  hence  yesterday.  Since 
his  arrival  here  five  days  ago,  he  had  many  interviews  with  the 
Pope.  As  His  Holiness  seems  to  be  still  in  good  spirits,  we 
flatter  ourselves  that  the  French  will  not  molest  us  here.  The  ' 


242  THE  BISHOPS   OF  MEATH — DE,   PLUNKET. 

above  general  is  brother-in-law  to  the  First  Consul.  He  arrived 
here  unaccompanied  even  by  his  usual  guard.  I  continue, 
T.G.,  to  enjoy  good  health,  and  feel  no  more  the  losses  and 
other  misfortunes  I  underwent  by  remaining  here  during  our 
anarchy.  I  request  your  Lordship  will  please  to  present,  when 
occasion  offers,  my  kind  respects  to  the  Eeverend  Messrs. 
Coffey  and  Hanlon ;  and 

"  Believe  me  to  be, 
Vf  With  the  most  profound  veneration  and  sincere  attachment, 

"  Right  Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 
"  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  and  obliged, 
humble  servant, 

"  FATHER  JOHN  CONNOLLY." 

On  the  8th  of  May,  1801,  the  most  Rev.  Dr.  Troy  writes 
from  Dublin  : — 

"  MOST  HONOURED  AND  DEAR  LORD, 

"  In  my  apprehension,  the  principal  business  to  be  con- 
sidered at  the  approaching  meeting  of  our  college  trustees  is  of 
vital  importance  and  general  utility.  It  is  no  less  than  the 
procurement  of  accommodation  for  a  greater  number  of  Catholic 
youth  to  be  educated  at  Maynooth,  which  cannot  be  effected 
•without  a  resolution  of  the  Board.  Seven  trustees  are  required 
by  law  to  form  one.  Your  Lordship's  presence  is,  therefore,  re- 
quired, as  Dr.  O'Reilly,  Lord  Fingall,  Sir  Edward  Bellew,  Mr. 
Strange,  and  Dr.  Moylan,  who  left  London  last  Wednesday  on 
his  return  hither,  are  the  only  members  expected  to  attend  the 
meeting.  We  cannot  count  upon  Lord  Gormanston.  If  we 
had  the  privilege  of  peers,  to  vote  by  proxy,  I  would,  for  my 
own  part,  be  satisfied  with  that  of  your  Lordship,  without  re- 
quiring your  presence.  However,  the  lay  trustees  might,  as 
they  have  sometimes  done,  censure  the  absence  of  their  clerical 
colleagues.  The  business  I  have  mentioned  is  certainly  urgent. 
The  anxiety  of  our  respectable  laity  on  the  subject  is  well 
known  to  Lord  Fingall,  to  whom  I  refer  your  Lordship  for 
more  particular  information. 

"  My  nephew  and  most  of  this  family  are  at  their  country 
residence  since  last  Sunday.  Mr.  Troy,  who  has  just  left  me, 
prayed  me  to  return  their  united  thanks  for  your  Lordship's 
congratulations  and  kind  wishes, 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  243 

"  I  need  not  renew  my  sincere  assurances  of  perfect  regard 
and  esteem,  with  which 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  My  dear  and  most  honoured  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  faithful  and  devoted  humble  servant, 

"  J.  F.  TROY." 

On  the  7th  of  July,  1801,  a  Meath  student  writes  from 
the  Irish  College  of  Lisbon,  in.  Portugal : — 

"  Lisbon,  St.  Patrick's  College. 
"  MY  LORD, 

"I  had  not  so  long  omitted  to  express  my  acknow- 
ledgments to  you  for  the  trouble  you  have  taken  in  sending 
me  my  baptisterium,  and  for  the  friendly  and  invaluable  letter 
with  which  you  have  been  pleased  to  honour  me,  but  that  such 
has  been  the  unsettled  state  of  this  country  since  I  received  it, 
that  we  were  in  daily  expectation  of  some  important  change 
that  should  in  some  degree  affect  us,  which,  although  not  as 
yet  arrived,  is  unquestionably  not  far  off.  Since  Portugal 
began — but  especially  since  she  began  to  have  a  king — she 
never  experienced  more  real  troubles  than  at  the  present 
moment.  The  war  which  she  had  the  presumption  to  wage 
against  the  united  powers  of  France  and  Spain,  was  no  sooner 
begun  than  ended,  and  ended,  indeed,  as  everyone  might  ex- 
pect. The  Portuguese  armies  were  commanded  by  a  trifling, 
degenerate  race  of  men  in  this  country  called  'noblemen,  to 
whose  treachery  or  cowardice  is  attributed  the  shameful  beating 
they  got  in  all  places.  Although  with  little  opposition  on  the 
side  of  Portugal,  the  flower  of  her  armies  is  cut  off  ;  all  her 
strongest  ports  and  castles  on  the  frontiers  are  in  the  hands  of 
her  enemies.  The  King  of  Spain  and  Lucien  Buonaparte  are  at 
present  sporting  on  the  plains  of  Montego,  one  of  her  most 
delightful  and  luxuriant  provinces,  seemingly  despising  an 
enemy,  whom  it  is  in  their  power  to  crush  at  an  hour's  warn- 
ing. An  army  of  60,000  French  is  on  its  march  through  Spain 
to  garrison  this  and  all  the  other  sea  ports  and  fortresses  of 
the  kingdom.  It  is  supposed  they  must  have  some  greater 
object  in  view,  as  one-third  of  the  number  would  be  more  than 
sufficient.  These,  indeed,  are  circumstances  of  distress,  and 
yet,  my  Lord,  to  see  with  what  seeming  security  and  joy  the 


244  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET. 

most  extravagant  illuminations,  and  firing  of  the  guns  of  the 
shipping  and  castles,  are  kept  up  in  this  city  these  three  days 
past,  for  the  acquisition  of  a  young  princess  to  this  court,  one 
would  be  at  a  loss  whether  to  pity  or  despise  them  the  more. 
It  is  believed  that  the  King  of  Spain  and  Buonaparte  will  assist 
at  the  baptism.  This  is  the  situation  to  which  Portugal  has 
brought  herself  by  her  connection  with  Great  Britain.  There 
have  been  no  battles  fought  these  fourteen  days  past,  for  the 
Portuguese  begged  for  mercy,  and  requested  not  so  much  a 
cessation  of  arms  as  a  cessation  of  the  enemy's  march,  in  order 
to  take  possession  of  this  city,  at  the  same  time  promising  to 
agree  to  whatever  terms  they  should  dictate.  What  these  are 
to  be  we  hourly  expect ;  but  so  convinced  are  the  British  sub- 
jects that  are  here  of  what  they  are  to  expect  from  the  French 
and  Spaniards,  that  several  families,  with  all  the  property  they 
could  conveniently  ship  off,  sail  from  this  city  this  evening,  with 
a  very  large  convoy,  for  different  parts  of  England  and  Ireland. 
No  doubts  are  but  that  the  total  exclusion  of  the  English,  and 
a  complete  blocking  up  of  this  and  other  ports  against  them 
must  form  one  of  the  very  first  articles.  They  even  fear  a 
confiscation  of  property.  The  few  Irish  ecclesiastics  that  are 
here  are  in  a  precarious  situation.  However,  they  seem  in- 
clined to  wait  the  result ;  and,  indeed,  the  only  claim  we  can 
have  to  protection  is,  our  being  too  insignificant  to  attract  the 
attention  of  an  enemy. 

"  Such,  my  Lord,  is  the  tottering  state  of  Portugal,  and, 
indeed,  if  such  a  comparison  could  be  allowed,  the  state  of  this 
little  establishment  upon  which  I  live  is  not  a  bit  better,  for 
the  keystone  that  kept  us  together  is  removed.  Our  worthy 
President,  poor  Dr.  Daly,  is  no  more.  He  is  dead,  and  with 
him  died  all  the  pretensions  that  this  house  could  have  to 
being  called  a  college.  Since  I  came  to  this  country  nothing 
afflicted  me  more,  for  he  was  a  steadfast  and  warm  friend.  His 
death  was  as  sudden  as  it  was  regretted.  He  was  found  life- 
less in  bed  on  the  morning  of  the  3rd  of  May.  Although 
near  80  years  of  age,  he  was  regularly  up  each  day  at  five 
o'clock,  and  could  not  entirely  forsake  the  administration  of  his 
little  affairs,  which  habit  had  mixed  with  his  satisfactions.  An 
apoplexy,  a  disorder  most  common  in  this  country,  carried  him 
off. 

"A  Rev.  Mr.  Crotty,  a  gentleman  of  some  worth,  will,  I 
believe,  succeed  him  as  rector.  ..... 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  245 

"  This  year  was  my  first  at  divinity,  and  so  apprehensive 
were  our  masters  of  the  approaching  troubles,  that  they  taught 
the  most  essential  parts  of  it,  including  the  four  principal 
sacraments,  laws,  and  human  acts. 

"  I  would,  my  Lord,  be  ashamed  to  tell  you  the  indecencies 
with  which  the  invading  armies  on  the  frontiers  insult  religion. 
I  could  scarcely  credit  half,  were  it  not  that  I  know  well  from 
all  I  hear  and  see  in  Lisbon. 

"I  am,  my  Lord, 

"  With  unalterable  sentiments  of  profound  respect  and  esteem, 
"  Your  Lordship's  most  humble  servant, 

"THOMAS  KEAKNEY."  • 

About  this  time,  Dr.  Plunket  wrote  a  letter  of  thanks 
to  Lord  Conyngham,  of  Slane,  in  consequence  of  a  grant 
of  a  site  for  a  new  chapel  to  the  Catholics  of  Slane, 
enhanced  by  his  Lordship  offering  to  lay  the  foundation 
stone.  The  Conyngham  family  have  been  always  re- 
markable for  their  kindness  and  liberality,  and  the  present 
Marquis  has  many  claims  on  the  gratitude  of  the 
Catholics  of  Slane. 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  When  a  nobleman  of  high  rank  condescends,  in  this 
country,  to  lay  the  foundation  stone  of  a  R.  Catholic  chapel,  it 
seems  to  be  the  duty  of  the  R  C.  prelate  of  the  district  to 
attend  on  the  spot.  A  sense  of  decorum,  confirmed  by  the 
approbation  of  your  noble  father,  tells  me  that  it  is  not 
intrusion  on  my  part  to  meet  your  Lordship  here. 

"  How  unusual  and  delightful  the  scene  that  presents  itself  to 
view  !  The  apparatus  of  the  ceremony  your  Lordship  is  ready 
to  perform,  the  presence  of  your  illustrious  parents  with  which 
it  is  to  be  honoured,  the  concourse  of  surrounding  spectators, 
the  visible  joy  of  a  numerous  class  of  inhabitants  made  happy — 
every  circumstance  conspires  to  render  this  day  memorable  at 
Slane.  In  angry  times,  the  R.  Catholic  worship  was  hence  re- 
moved to  another  place.  The  town  suffered  by  the  removal 
Divine  service  became  too  distant  to  be  attended  without  loss 
of  time  ;  inconvenience  followed,  public  and  private ;  even  the 
pious  traveller  who  came  this  way  lamented  his  disappointment. 
Thanks  to  a  benign  and  enlightened  Legislature,  milder  times 


246  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

and  a  milder  spirit  have  succeeded.  In  unison  with  this 
milder  spirit,  the  congenial  spirit  of  the  noble  house  of  Conyng- 
ham  bid  intolerance  cease  with  the  evil  it  caused ;  and,  under  its 
auspices  and  munificent  patronage,  the  ancient  worship  is  re- 
stored at  the  foot  of  the  majestic  eminence  on  which  it 
flourished  during  centuries  before." 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

'DR.  PLUNKET'S  CIRCULAR  TO  THE  CLERGY  OF  MEATH. — 
FRATERNAL  LETTER  TO  AN  INTEMPERATE  PASTOR. 

EARLY  in  1802,  Dr.  Plunket  sent  the  following  circular  to 
the  vicars  of  the  diocese,  to  be  forwarded  to  the  pastors  of 
their  respective  districts,  and  to  be  circulated  amongst  ^the 
laity.  As  it  concerns  our  "  Alma  Mater,"  the  Diocesan 
Seminary  of  Navan,  this  noble  effort  of  Dr.  Plunket  to 
establish  a  Catholic  school  is  worthy  to  be  incorporated  in 
his  biography,  and  to  be  preserved  in  the  traditions  of  the 
diocese. 

"KEV.  DEAR  SIR, 

"  I  take  this  opportunity  to  inform  you  that  I  have 
lately  obtained  a  lease  for  ever  of  a  house  and  piece  of  ground 
contiguous  to  the  town  of  Navan,  which  I  destine  for  a  diocesan 
academy  and  seminary.  As  an  academy,  it  will,  I  flatter 
myself,  furnish  the  sons  of  affluent  individuals  of  our  per- 
suasion with  all  the  necessary  means  of  a  Catholic  and  genteel 
education.  As  a  seminary,  it  is  to  unite  in  favour  of  those  who 
aspire  to  our  holy  state,  such  advantages  of  regular  discipline 
and  select  classical  study  as  are  most  likely  to  lay  the  foun- 
dation of  the  solid  piety  and  extensive  knowledge,  which  will 
hereafter,  in  our  national  college,  form  the  virtuous  and 
enlightened  ecclesiastic. 

"For  some  years  past,  Meaih,  wealthy  Catholic  Meath,  has 
been  strangely  deficient  in  point  of  respectable  domestic  in- 
struction. At  no  former  period  was  this  ominous  deficiency  so 
remarkable  as  at  present.  With  much  difficulty  were  twelve 
•students  found  throughout  the  whole  diocese  barely  qualified  to 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET.  24-7 

fill  the  last  vacancies  in  the  College  of  St.  Patrick ;  even  these 
few  were  indebted  to  a  merciful  and  indulgent  examination  for 
having  escaped  the  disgrace  of  being  rejected.  Long  ago  I 
lamented — every  good  pastor  lamented — a  situation  so  unhappy. 
While  the  ministers  of  the  Established  Church,  to  their  honour 
it  may  be  said,  in  almost  every  part  of  the  kingdom,  were  all 
alive  to  the  importance  and  necessity  of  instructing  youth,  and 
taught  school  themselves,  it  grieved  me  to  the  heart  that  many 
of  us  seemed  to  view  that  noble  and  most  useful  function 
without  feeling  or  zeal — I  had  almost  said  with  careless 
indifference.  In  justification  of  myself  I  have  to  say,  that  it  is 
now  thirteen  or  fourteen  years  since  I  attempted  to  apply  a 
remedy  to  so  great  an  evil ;  but  I  met  with  unexpected,  insur- 
mountable obstacles,  and  failed  in  the  attempt. 

"  Within  these  few  months  it  has  pleased  Divine  Providence 
to  be  more  propitious  to  the  undertaking.  I  have  purchased 
the  above-mentioned  lease,  and  made  considerable  progress  in 
fitting  the  house,  which  is  new,  for  the  reception  of  students. 
£500,  a  present  made  to  me  by  a  pious  individual,  have  been 
already  expended  on  the  premises. 

"  To  complete  the  work,  more  still  remains  to  be  done.  Un- 
able to  proceed  alone,  whose  aid  am  I  to  invoke,  if  not  that  of 
the  Catholic  parents,  relations,  and  friends  of  the  rising  genera- 
tion, and  that  of  the  rev.  pastors  of  the  diocese — the  natural 
guardians  of  its  religion  and  morals  ?  That  I  shall  not  invoke 
their  aid  in  vain,  I  may,  without  presumption,  infer  from  the 
sentiments  expressed  by  many  of  them  relative  to  this  im- 
portant business. 

"  As  it  is  a  primary  object  with  me  to  connect  the  institution 
with  religion  and  the  administration  of  the  diocese,  I  intend  to 
appoint  some  of  the  principal  pastors  trustees  to  the  establish- 
ment. If  an  expense  somewhat  considerable  must  be  incurred 
in  the  beginning,  I  have  every  reason  to  hope  that  the  school 
will,  in  a  little  time,  be  able  not  only  to  support  itself,  but  also 
to  afford  a  cheap,  if  not  a  gratuitous  education  to  such  candi- 
dates as  may  promise,  by  eminently  virtuous  dispositions  and 
extraordinary  talents,  to  advance  the  great  interests  of  religion, 
and  to  do  honour  to  their  country. 

"  My  first  curate  under  my  superintendence  is  to  be  President 
of  the  Academical  Seminary.  He  must  have  one  or  two 
assistants.  Nemo  militat  suis  slipendiis  unquam.  Their  salaries 
and  maintenance  are  to  be  defrayed  out  of  the  emoluments  of 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

the  house.  As  to  myself,  thanks  to  the  generosity  of  the 
greater  part  of  the  rev.  pastors  of  the  diocese,  I  am  rescued 
from  the  humiliation  of  claiming  any  share  in  these  emoluments, 
with  respect  to  which  I  shall  not  interfere,  except  to  direct 
their  destination.  To  accelerate  the  final  completion  of  an 
establishment  never  more  urgently  necessary,  I  request  you 
will  take  the  earliest  opportunity  of  conferring  on  the  subject 
with  the  clergy  and  laity  of  your  district :  you  will  solicit  their 
subscriptions,  receive  the  amount  of  the  sums  subscribed,  and 
transmit  it  to  me,  together  with  the  names  of  the  subscribers, 
with  so  little  delay,  that,  by  the  immediate  application  of  the 
money,  the  house  may  be  ready  early  in  the  summer." 


The  following  letter  is  dated  "Navan,  6th  of  March, 
1802."  The  name  of  the  party  addressed  is  not  given  in 
the  copy  of  the  letter,  nor  is  it  necessary  to  have  it  in- 
serted here,  even  if  the  name  were  forthcoming.  I  insert 
Dr.  Plunket's  letter  to  illustrate  his  fraternal  feeling 
towards  his  clergy,  and  to  recal  to  mind  the  sentiments  of 
charity  with  which  he  was  animated  towards  a  vacillating 
or  fallen  brother  : — 

'•  I  cannot  any  longer,  without  manifest  violation  of  duty, 
overlook  the  scandal  you  are  giving,  this  considerable  time 
past,  in  the  parish  committed  to  your  care.  Catholics  and 
Protestants  unite  in  complaining  of  the  deplorable  state  of  de- 
bility of  mind  and  body  to  which  an  immoderate  use  of  spiritu- 
ous liquor,  and  the  consequent  habit  of  intoxication,  have  reduced 
you.  The  principal  functions  of  the  sacred  ministry  you  have 
rendered  yourself  evidently  incapable  of  performing  in  a  priestly 
manner,  and  you  stand  self-convicted  of  this  incapacity.  I 
am,  therefore,  compelled,  not  without  extreme  concern  and 
regret,  to  withdraw  from  you  the  administration  of  your  parish, 
and  to  assign  it  to  Rev.  Mr.  Lynn,  whom  Rev.  Mr.  Clark, 
Vicar-Foraneus  of  the  district,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Pagan,  Vic. -For. 
of  Cultrummer,  or  either  of  them,  will,  for  that  purpose,  induct 
in  my  name.  These  gentlemen,  whom  you  are  to  obey  as  you 
would  the  Ordinary  himself,  are  authorized  to  make  provision 
for  your  subsistence,  during  the  administration,  out  of  the  in- 
come of  the  parish,  the  total,  however,  of  which  is  to  be  received 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  249 

by  the  Administrator.  On  your  own  account,  not  less  than 
on  that  of  the  faithful,  I  withdraw  from  you  the  faculty  of 
hearing  confessions,  until  your  nerves  shall  have  recovered 
their  natural  tone,  and  the  state  of  your  mind  and  body  qualify 
you  for  that  arduous  part  of  the  sacred  ministry.  Disengaged, 
as  you  now  are,  until  further  notice,  from  the  care  of  the  souls 
of  others,  I  most  earnestly  conjure  you  to  think  most  seriously 
of  your  own  immortal  soul ;  to  lay  the  axe  to  the  root  of 
every  prevailing  passion,  and  commence  a  thorough  reformation 
of  life,  by  weeping  bitterly  for  past  faults,  and  by  making  your 
peace  with  your  offended  God.  That  the  grace  of  the  Redeemer 
of  the  world  may  support  you  in  this  great  and  important 
undertaking,  is  the  sincere  and  fervent  prayer  of, 

"  Rev.  dear  Sir, 
"  Your  afflicted  brother  in  Jesus  Christ, 

"  3t  P.  J.  PLUNKET. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1.  VISITATION  OF  1791.— 2.  1792.— 3.  1793.— 4.  1794. 
1.   Visitation  of  1791. 

May  2.  At  eleven  o'clock  at  night,  died,  of  a  paralytic  stroke, 
Rev.  John  Kelly,*  P.P.  of  the  union  of  Ardmul- 
chan,  Painstown,  &c.,  after  a  few  days'  illness. 

„       3.  I  appointed  Rev.  Thomas  Walsh  P.P.,  &c.,  in  the  room 

of  Rev.  John  Kelly,  deceased. 
June  21.  I  began  the  visitation  of  the  diocese  of  Meath. 

„  „  Ardbraccan  (Rev.  Michael  Branagan,  Administrator), 
45  confirmed. — Sermon  :  On  rash  judgment.  In 
the  evening  I  returned  to  Navan,  where  I  re- 
mained until  Thursday  morning  following. 

„  23.  Trim  (Rev.  Henry  Dougherty,  P.P. ;  Rev.  Mr.  Gor- 
man, Deservitor),  16  confirmed. — On  the  duties 
of  parents,  and  on  the  festival  of  the  Blessed 
Sacrament. 

*  He  rests  in  the  churchyard  of  Monknewtown. 


250  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

June  24.  Moimet  (Eev.  Michael  Tipper,  O.M.,  P.P.),  22  con- 
firmed.— On  Communion,  with  a  few  observations 
on  the  festival  of  St.  John. 

„  26.  Athboy  (Rev.  John  Martin,  V.F.),  9  confirmed. — On 
the  Blessed  Eucharist,  as  a  sacrifice  and  a  sacra- 
ment. 

„  27.  Ballivre  (Rev.  Michael  Fleming,  O.P.,  Vic.-For.),  19 
confirmed. — On  prayer. 

„  28.  Clonard(Rev.  Garrett  Reilly),  111. — On  the  disorders 
of  some  of  the  flock — thieving,  drunkenness,  &c. 

„  29.  Killucan  (Rev.  Pat.  Sherlock),  41. — On  the  festival, 
and  on  the  inseparable  alliance  that  ought  to  sub- 
sist between  faith  and  good  works. 

„  30.  Fertullagh  (Rev.  Bernard  Coffey,  O.P.),  83.— On  re- 
pentance and  conversion  to  God. 

July  1.  Castletown-Geoghegan  (Rev.  James  Commons),  27. 
— On  the  respect  with  which  precepts  of  the 
Church,  particularly  holidays,  are  to  be  observed. 

„  2.  Dysart  (Kev.  John  Duffy),  12. — On  the  abuses  reign- 
ing in  the  parish,  clandestine  marriages,  and  quar- 
rels. 

„  3.  Kilbeggan  (Rev.  Thomas  Dunn),  34. — On  the  duties  of 
masters  and  servants,  with  remarks  on  the  Paschal 
duty,  and  on  the  riotous  disposition  of  some  of  the 
flock. 

„        4.  Tullamore  (Rev.  Pat.  Geoghegan),  15. — On  the  use  of 

sufferings. 

'„  5.  Frankford  (Rev.  Michael  Kearney,  Vic.-For.),  27. — 
On  death. 

„  6.  Conference  of  the  district  of  Frankford. — Rev.  Pat. 
Geoghegan  defended  on  the  impediments  of 
matrimony,  and  Rev.  John  Egan  preached  on  the 
relapsing  into  sin. 

„  7.  Eglish  (Rev.  John  Egan,  O.M.),  26. — On  relapsing 
sinners. 

,,  9.  Rathen  (Rev.  James  Murray),  38. — On  the  advantage 
of  poverty. 

„  10.  Clara  (Rev.  Nicholas  Travers,  Rev.  James  Daly, 
curate),  32.— The  advantages  of  an  humble  and 
obscure  position,  and  on  the  vices  of  the  poor. 

„  11.  Kill  (Rev.  Pat.  M'Namee),  4.— On  the  duties  of 
parents. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  251 

July  12.  Ballimore  (Rev.  Dan.  Mulledy,  Vicar-General),  28. — 
The  respect  due  to  the  house  of  God. 

„  13.  Kilkenny  West  (Rev.  Michael  M'Cormick,  Deservitor 
ad  interim),  1 3. — On  the  duties  of  parents. 

„  14.  Conference  at  Ballimore,  on  Extreme  Unction. — • 
Sermon  :  On  the  nature  and  duration  of  Hell — by 
Eev.  Mr.  Callan. 

„  15.  Moyvour  (Rev.  Mr.  Woods,  Deservitor  ad  interim), 
20. — On  true  conversion. 

„  16.  Rathconrath  (Rev.  Mr.  Wyer),  12 — On  fraternal 
charity. 

„  17.  Mullingar  (Rev.  Laurence  Fitzgerald,  O.P.,  Vic.-For.), 
36. — On  the  pardon  of  injuries. 

.,  18.  Conference  at  Mullingar,  made  by  Rev.  Father  Hal- 
ligan,  de  contractibus. — Sermon  by  Rev.  Mr.  Byrne: 
On  the  Word  of  God. 

„      19.  Sonna  (Rev.  Mr.  Byrne),  7. — On  fraternal  charity. 

,,  20.  Multifernam  (Rev.  Mr.  Moran,  O.M.),  none  confirmed. 
— On  pharisaical  virtue. 

„  21.  Taghmon  (Rev.  Mr.  Stafford),  14. — On  true  repent- 
ance. 

„  22.  Castletown-Delvin  (Rev.  Mr.  M'Cormick),  19. — On 
cursing  and  swearing. 

„      23.  Fore  (Rev.  John  Murray),  45. — On  detraction. 

„  24.  Castlepollard  (Rev.  Thomas  Connellj,  8. — On  an  un- 
worthy Communion. 

„      25.  Mayne  (Kev.  Pat.  Fanning),  10. — On  death. 

„  27.  Killiegh  (Rev.  Peter  Brady),  89.— On  fraternal 
charity. 

„  28.  Oldcastle'  (Rev.  Joseph  Ferrall,  Vic.-For.),  25. — On 
being  in  earnest  in  the  business  of  salvation. 

„      29.*Killallon  (Rev.  John  Murray),  22. — On  death. 

„      30.  Kilskeer  (Rev.  James  Ferrall),  8. — On  the  love  of  God. 

„  31.  Girley  (Rev.  Joseph  Ferrall,  Vic.-For.),  none  con- 
firmed.— On  the  love  of  our  enemies,  with  a  de- 
claration of  the  bishop's  sentiments  relative  to 
Rev.  Mr.  Smith's  intrusion  into  the  parish  of 
Kells,  the  profaneness  and  impiety  of  which  were 
strongly  reprobated. 


Dr.  Butler,  Archbishop  of  Cashel,  died  this  morning  at  half-past  two. 


252  .  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH— DK.  PLUNKET. 

Aug.  1.  Conference  of  Kells  District,  held  at  Crosakeel,  on 
account  of  the  above  intrusion. — Tractatus  "de 
absolutione"  by  Kev.  Mr.  Linnon. — Sermon  :  On 
charity — by  Rev.  George  M'Dermott. 

„  „  Rev.  Christopher  Linnon,  O.M.,  was  this  day,  at  the 
recommendation  of  Mrs.  Everard,*  of  Randills- 
town,  appointed  to  the  parish  of  Kilberry. 

„,  „  I  returned  this  night  to  Navan,  and  went  next  day 
(the  2nd)  to  the  meeting  of  the  prelates  of  Ar- 
magh, held  at  Drogheda. 

„  3.  Before  the  Primate's  arrival,  the  bishops  consulted 
on  the  means  of  forming  schools  of  philosophy 
and  divinity  for  the  province — one  of  each  science. 

„  4.  The  Primate  arrived,  and  approved  the  ideas  of  the 
prelates,  relative  to  the  plan  of  education.  The 
Bishop  of  Raphoe  was  absent,  having  mistaken 
the  day  of  meeting. 

„        5.  I  went  this  day  to  Gormanstown. 

„        6.  I  went  to  Harbourstown. 

„        7.  Drogheda  (Rev.  Pat.  Moore),  30. — On  death. 

„        8.  Donover  (Re  v.Mr.  Johnston),  11. — On  the  use  of  time. 

„  10.  Monknewtown-(Rev.  Laurence  Chevers),  10.- — On  the 
particular  judgment,  relative  to  the  annual  con- 
fession and  communion,  and  on  profane  meetings 
on  Sundays  and  holidays. 

„     11.  Slane  (Rev.  Thomas  Clarke),  11. — On  mortal  sin. 

„      ,,     Same  day,  in  the  evening,  I  returned  to  Navan 

„     16.  I  left  Navan,  and  was  absent  during  ten  days. 

„     26.  I  returned  to  Navan. 

Sept.  5.  This  day  I  went  to  Dunsany,  to  attend  Lady  Dun- 
sany  in  her  last  illness,  and,  between  Killeen  and 
Dunsany,  was  absent  from  Navan  eleven  days. 

„     13.  This  day  died  Lady  Dunsany. 

„     10,  I  returned  to  Navan. 

„  17.  Spiritual  retreat  for  orders,  entered  into  by  Henry 
Dowling,  Laurence  Dempsy,  Laurence  Geoghe- 
gan,  James  Wyer,  and  James  Dunn. 

*  Of  course  Dr.  Phmket  might  feel  disposed  to  pay  a  mark  of  respect  to 
Mrs.  Everard,  especially  when  the  candidate  proposed  was  a  very  worthy 
priest ;  but  she  had  no  right  of  presentation  whatever.  See,  in  proof  of 
this,  vol.  ii.,  p.  189. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  253 

Aug.  21.  Tonsure,  minor  orders,  and  subdeaconship  conferred 
on  them ;  on  the  23rd,  deaconship,  and  on  the 
24th,  priesthood. 

Oct.  4.  Tuesday. — This  evening  Mr.  Richard  Maran,  of 
Drogheda,  was  married  to  Miss  Susannah  Lee,  of 
Navan.  The  ceremony  was  performed  by  Dr. 
Plunket. 

„       9.  This  morning  I  left  Navan  to  resume  the  visitation. 

„       ,,    Nobber  (Eev.  William  M'Kenna,  Vicar-For.),  18. 

„  10.  Monday — Conference  of  the  district,  made  by  Eev. 
James  Birmingham,  "  de  conscientia." — On  faith, 
by  Rev.  Mr.  Mulligan. 

„     11.  Syddan  (Rev.  John  Reilly),  17 — On  the  Lord's  Day. 

„  12.  Drumconrah  (Rev.  Luke  M'Glew),  14. — On  swear- 
ing. 

„  13.  Enniskeen  (Rev.  James  Birmingham),  11. — On  the 
small  number  of  the  elect. 

„  15.  Moynalty  (Rev.  Pat.  Carolan),  21. — On  the  death  of 
the  just. 

,,  16.  Mullahe  (Rev.  John  Clarke),  58  confirmed,  of  whom 
about  20  from  Kells. — On  perseverance,  with  a 
few  reflections  on  Mr.  Smith's  intrusion. 

„  17.  Killbeg  (Rev.  George  McDermott),  7. — On  the  vices 
common  in  the  parish. 

„  18.  Castletown  (Rev.  Pat.  McDermott),  12. — On  living 
up  to  the  principles  of  the  Catholic  religion. 

„  20.  Kilberry  (Rev.  Christopher  Linnon,  O.M.),  15. — On 
habitual  sin. 

„  23.  Walterstown  (Rev.  James  Callaghan),  none  con- 
firmed, because  none  were  fit  for  confirmation.— 
On  the  death  of  the  just. 

„     24.  Ardmulchan  (Rev.  Thomas  Walsh),  15. — On  death. 

„  25.  Duleek  (Rev.  John  Kearney),  56. — On  the  repentance 
and  conversion  of  Mary  Magdalen. 

„     27.  Stamullen  (Rev.  Pat.  Ennis) — none  registered. 

„  30.  Ardcath  (Rev.  Nicholas  Purfield),  30.— On  the  good 
shepherd  and  his  duties,  applicable  to  parents, 
masters,  and  mistresses. 

„     31.  Curraha  (Rev.  Pat.  Keonan),  12. — On  the  dispositions 

requisite  for  the  sacrament  of  penance. 

Nov.  1.  Skreene  (Rev.  Christopher  Byrne),  6. — On  the  ex- 
ample of  the  saints. 


254  T,HE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Nov.    3.  Dunsany.     This  day  died  Eev.  Peter  Derham,*  and 

Kev.  James  Fleming  was  appointed  P.P.  in  his 

room. — 14  confirmed. — On  the  mercy  and  justice 

of  God. 
„       6.  Dunshaughlin  (Eev.   Thomas   Fagan),    19. — On  the 

last  judgment. 
„       8.  Ratoath  (Rev.   Pat.  Langan),  18. — On   the  love  of 

God. 

„       9.  Grenoge  (Rev.  Pat.  Ferrall),  5. — On  suffering. 
„     10.  Dunboyne  (Rev.  James  Connell),  20. — On  the  duties 

of  parents. 
„     13.  Kilcloon  (Rev.  James  Ferrall),   20.— On  the  Third 

Commandment. 

„     15.  Moynalvy  (Rev.  Richard  Meighan),  11. — On  the  con- 
version of  the  prodigal  son. 
„     16.  Summerhill  (Rev.  John  Cregan),  12. — On  fraternal 

charity. 
.,,     17.  Conference  of  the  district  of  Rathmullian. — Rev.  Mr. 

Tipper  defended  the  treatise  of  matrimony.     Rev. 

Mr.  Hitchcock  preached  on  the  advantages  and 

use  of  riches. 
„     18.  Rathmullian  (Rev.   Pat.  Harte,  O.P.),  30.— On  the 

mercy  of  God. 
„     20.  Kildalky  (Rev.  Laurence  O'Reilly),  12.— On  suffering 

with  patience. 
„     26.  I   returned  to    Navan  from  the   visitation   of  the 

Q.1OCPS6 

-  „  27.  Navan  (P.  J.  Plunket,  P.P.  and  Bishop),  66.— On 
drunkenness,  preached  by  the  Rev.  Peter  O'Reilly, 
and  confirmed  by  the  additional  observations  of 
the  bishop  on  the  same  subject,  who  also  touched 
upon  the  prevailing  abuses  of  the  parish. 
„  29.  Confirmation  conferred  this  day  at  Navan  on  66 
young  persons.  Here  ended  Dr.  Plunket's  twelfth 
visitation. 

2.  Visitation  of  1792. 
June  17.  This  morning  I  began  my  thirteenth  visitation. 


He  rests  in  the  churchyard  of  Dunsany. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  255 

June  17.  Trim  (Rev.   Henry    Dougherty,    P.P.,    Rev.   John 

Gorman,  C.C.),  25  confirmed. — Sermon  :  On  faith. 

„     18.  Moimet  (Rev.  Michael  Tipper,  0.  Min.),  29  confirmed. 

— Breach  of  the  Lord's  Day  by  drunkenness. 
„     19.  Ardbraccan  (Rev.  Peter  O'Reilly,  P.P.  ;  Rev.  Michael 
Branagan,  Deservitor),  40. — Drunkenness  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  chapel. 

„  20.  Kildalkey  (Rev.  Laurence  O'Reilly),  13.— On  the 
causes  of  bad  Communions,  and  on  slander  and 
calumny. 

„  21  Girley  (Rev.  Joseph  Ferrall),  17. — Sermon  :  On  the 
mercy  of  God.  On  this  day  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  hav- 
ing been  condemned  by  a  decree  of  the  Sacred 
Congregation,  appeared  publicly  at  the  altar  of 
Girley,  and,  by  a  solemn  declaration  drawn  up  by 
the  bishop  and  signed  by  himself,  retracted  his  late 
schismatical  conduct,  expressed  sorrow  for  it,  and 
professed  dutiful  obedience  to  Dr.  Plunket. 
„  24.  Athboy  (Rev.  John  Martin),  17. — Sermon  :  On  the 

Word  of  God. 
„     25.  Killallon  (Rev.  John  Murry),  33. — On  rising  from 

habitual  sin. 

„     26.  Castletown-Delvin   (Rev.  Edward  McCormick,  19. — 

Sermon :  On  the  use   of  poverty.     On  this  day 

Rev.  T.  Ferrall  was   appointed   curate   to   Rev. 

Edward  McCormick. 

L  „     27.  Killucan  (Rev.  Pat.  Sherlock),  28.— The  death  of  the 

sinner  and  the  death  of  the  just. 
„     28.  Turin  (Rev.  Thomas  Stafford),  24. — Drunkenness  and 

neglect  of  the  Paschal  Communion. 

„  29.  Fertullagh  (Rev.  Bryan  Coffy,  O.P.),  110.— On  re- 
lapsing into  mortal  sin. 

„  30.  I  consecrated  at  Mullingar  sixty-seven  altar  stones.* 
The  ceremony  lasted  from  half-past  eight  to  half- 
past  twelve  o'clock. 


*  Dr.  Nulty,  our  present  bishop,  consecrated,  in  the  seminary  of  Navan, 
011  the  12th  of  March,  1869,  fifty-three  altar  stones.  The  writer  of  this 
said  Mass  on  one  of  them  at  two  o'clock  same  day.  He  consecrated 
thirty-seven  on  the  following  day,  and  Mass  was  celebrated  by  the 
Eeverend  and  Venerable  Professor  McCormack. 


256  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

July  1.  Mullingar  (Rev.  Laurence  Fitzgerald,  O.P.,  Vic. -For.), 
88. — Sermon  :  On  the  observance  of  the  laws  of 
God. 

„  2.  Conference  at  Mullingar  on  "Matrimony." — Rev. 
Henry  Connell  defended.  Rev.  John  Murry,  of 
Fore,  preached  on  the  vocation  of  a  Christian. 

„       3.  Dysart  (Rev.  John  Duffy),  19.— The  Cross,  and  the 
duty  of  suffering  with  Christ. 

„  4.  Castletown-Geoghegan  (Rev.  James  Commons),  19. — 
The  nature  and  necessity  of  repentance.  We 
must  repent  principally  when  we  receive  the 
sacrament  of  reconciliation,  and  we  must  repent 
by  habitual  compunction. 

„  6.  Kilbeggan  and  Rathugh  (Rev.  Thomas  Dunn),  49.  — 
Death-bed  repentance. 

„  6.  Tullamore  (Rev.  Pat.  Geoghegan),  65. — Final  im- 
penitence. 

„  7.  Conference  at  Frankford,  made  by  Rev.  James 
Murray,  on  the  notes  of  the  Church.  He  also 
preached  on  charity  towards  the  neighbour. 

„  8.  Frankford  (Rev.  Michael  Kearney,  P.P.  and  Vic. -For.), 
58. — The  death  of  the  just,  and  the  obstacles  that 
hinder  us  from  disposing  ourselves  for  that  kind 
of  death. 

.  „  9.  Eglish  (Rev.  John  Egan,  0.  Min.),  47. — On  corres- 
ponding with  the  love  and  mercy  of  the  Shepherd 
and  Bishop  of  our  souls. 

„     10.  I  spent  at  Thomastown. 

„  11.  Rathen  (Rev.  James  Murray),  71. — On  charitytowards 
our  neighbour. 

„  12.  Clara  (Rev.  Nicholas  Travers,  P.P.  and  O.P. ;  Rev. 
James  Daly,  Deservitor),  87. — On  the  death  of  the 
sinner,  and  the  dispositions  that  lead  to  it,  viz., 
habitual  sin  and  an  undisciplined  life. 

„  13.  Kill  and  Kilmonaghan  (Rev.  Pat.  McNamee),  52. — 
Distrust  in  Divine  Providence. 

„  14.  Kilkenny,  West  (Rev.  Andrew  Pigeon,  Deservitor), 
none  confirmed. — On  the  love  of  our  enemies. 

„  15.  Baltimore  (Rev.  Daniel  Mulledy,  Vic.-Gen.  and  For.), 
48. — On  suffering. 

„  16.  Conference  at  Ballimore,  made  by  the  Kev.  Andrew 
Polin,  alias  Pigeon,  "  de  matrimonis." — Sermon 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  257 

preached  by  the  Eev.   Mr.  F.    Fagan  :    On  the 

love  of  enemies. 

July  16.  On  this  day  died  Rev.  Pat.  Sherlock,  P.P.  of  Killucan. 
„      „     This  day  Rev.  Andrew  Com  was  removed  from  Kil- 
kenny  West,  and  Rev.   Michael  M'Cormick  at 

Moyvour  sent  in  his  room.     Rev.  James  Woods 

was  sent  to  serve  at  Moyvour. 
„     17.  Moyvour  (Rev.  James  Woods,  Deservitor),  39. — The 

mischief  of  bad  conversion. 
„     18.  Emper  (Rev.  John  Wyer),  20. — Repentance,  and  the 

faults  of  the  flock. 

„     19.  Balnacarrig  (Rev.  John  Byrne),  14. — The  last  judg- 
ment, and  preparation  for  it. 
„     20.  Multifarnham  (Rev.  Thomas  Moran,  0.  Min.),  17. — 

Confession,  and  the  vices  of  the  parish. 
,,     21.  Mayne  (Rev.  Pat.  Fanning). — On  prayer. 
„     22.  Castlepollard  (Rev.  Thomas   Connell),   32.— On  the 

love  of  the  neighbour  and  of  enemies. 
„     23.  I  spent  this  day  at  Turbetstown. 
,,     24.  Fore  (Rev.  John  Murray),  69. — The  love  of  enemies. 
„     25.  Killiegh  and  Kilbride  (Rev.  Peter  Brady),  40. — The 

love  of  the  neighbour,  in  opposition  to  the  spirit 

of  rioting  and  quarrelling. 
„     26.  Oldcastle  (Rev.  Bernard  Reilly,  Deservitor),  39. — On 

scandal  and  drunkenness. 
,,     27.  I  spent  at  Stonefield. 
„     28.  I  spent  at  Ballenlough. 
,.     29.  Kilskeer  (Rev.  James  Ferrall),  39. — On  the  obstacles 

that  stand  in  the  way  of  a  happy  death. 
„     30.  Conference  of  Kells  district  at  Crossakiel,  made  by 

the  Rev.  George  M'Dermott,  on  the  Impediment 

Matrimonii. — The  sermon  preached  by  the  Rev. 

John  Clarke,  on  pharisaical  virtue. 

„     31.  Loghan  (Rev.  John    Clarke),   32. — Sermon  on    the 
insufficiency  of  pharisaical  or  mere  external  virtue. 

This  evening  I  returned  to  Navan. 
Aug.     4.  This  day  I  resumed  the  visitation. 
„       „    Saturday.     Monknewtown  (Rev.   Laurence  Chevers), 

20. — On  pharisaical  virtue. 
,,       5.  Drogheda  (Rev.  Pat.  Moore),  6. — Repentance,  and  a 

more  faithful  observance  of  the  Paschal  duty. 
,,       7.  Being  the  first  Tuesday  in  August,  the  prelates  of  the 

s 


258  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

province  of  Armagh  met  as  usual  at  Drogheda, 
viz.  : — Most  Rev.  Dr.  O'Reilly,  Primate,    Right 
Rev.    Drs.     Plunket   of     Meath,     MacDavett   of 
Derry,  Hugh  O'Reilly  of  Clogher,  Coyle  of  Raphoe, 
MacMullen  of    Down   and    Connor,    Lenaan  of 
Dromore,  and  Cruise  of  Ardagh.      At  this  meet- 
ing the  Catholic  declaration  was  approved,  and  it 
was  unanimously  resolved  that  it  should  be  sub- 
scribed by  the  Catholics  of  the  respective  dioceses 
of  the  province.      Letters   from   the  Holy  See, 
relative  to  some  points  of  discipline,  were  read. 
The  meeting  lasted  three  days. 
Aug.    9.  The  prelates  separated  in  the  evening. 
„     10.  I  remained  at  Drogheda. 
„     12.  Slane  (Rev.  Thomas  Clarke),  25. — On  the  practice  of 

gratitude  to  God. 
„     14.  Siddan  (Rev.  John  Reilly),  18. — On  satisfaction  as 

a  part  of  the  Sacrament. 

„  15.  Xobber  (Rev.  William  M'Kenna,  Vic.-For.  and 
Archdeacon),  20. — On  forgiveness  of  injuries,  and 
the  neglect  of  parents  with  regard  to  the  in- 
struction of  children. 

„  1G.  Conference  of  the  Navan  district  at  Nobber.  The 
subject  of  discussion  was  the  Catholic  declaration. 
Sermon  preached  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Killen,  on  the 
difference  between  the  maxims  of  the  world  and 
of  the  Gospel. 
•  „  17.  Drumcondra  (Rev.  Luke  M-'Glew),  25. — On  patrons 

and  wakes. 

-  „     18.  Eniskeen  (Rev.  James  Birmingham),  21. — On  swear- 
ing, and  on  the  neglect  of  parents  towards  their 
children,  when  young  and  when  growing  up. 
„     19.  Moynalty  (Rev.  Pat.  Carolan),  32. — On  prayer. 
„     21.  Kilbeg  (Rev.  George  M'Dermott),  16. — On  the  im- 
portance of  salvation. 

„  22.  Castletown-Kilpatrick  (Rev.  Pat.  M'Dermott),  21.— 
The  love  of  God  proved  by  the  observance  of  the 
Commandments. 

'  „     23.  Kilberry  (Rev.   Christopher    Linnon,  O.M.),    30. — 
Death   to    be  dreaded   chiefly  by  the    habitual 
sinner,  and  by  the  tepid  and  careless  Christian. 
.  „     25.  Saturday.     I  returned  to  Navan. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  259 

Sept.  16.  Skreene  (Rev.  Christopher  Byrne),  17. — Sermon:  On 

prayer. 

•  „  18.  Athlumny  (Rev.  James  Callaghan),  10. — On  the  end 
of  the  institution  of  the  Ember  Days. 

„  20.  Ardmulchan  (Rev.  Thomas  Walsh),  23.— On  the 
great  interest  of  eternity. 

„  21.  Donore  (Rev.  Mr.  Johnson),  13. — On  the  necessity  of 
averting  the  anger  of  God  by  repentance,  and  of 
preserving  the  fruits  of  the  earth  from  the  dread- 
ful inclemency  of  the  weather,  by  a  reformation  of 
manners,  and  the  extirpations  of  those  vices 
which  provoke  the  Divine  vengeance. 

,.     23.  Duleek  (Rev.  John  Kearney),  45. 

„  24.  Conference  of  the  district  made  by  the  Rev.  Thomas 
Walsh,  "  de  institutione  matrimonii." — Sermon  :  On 
almsdeeds,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Boylan. 

„  25.  Stamullen  (Rev.  Pat.  Ennis,  14). — On  the  inclemency 
of  the  weather,  and  prayers  for  the  preservation  of 
the  fruits  of  the  earth. 

„  27.  Ardcath  (Rev.  Nicholas  Purfield,  Vic.-For.),  15.— 
Sermon  :  On  prayer. 

„  28.  Curraha  (Rev.  Pat.  Keonan),  10. — On  devotion  to 
the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  founded  on  the  glorious 
titles,  prerogatives,  and  qualities  conveyed  by  this 
august  appellation. 

„  30.  Dunshaughlin  (Rev.  Thomas  Fagan),  9. — On  scandal, 
which  is  with  regard  to  vice  what  good  example  is 
with  regard  to  virtue. 

Oct.  2.  Ratoath  (Rev.  Pat.  Langan),  none  confirmed. — On  the 
mercy  of  God,  which  those  cannot  seriously  hope  to 
benefit  by,  who  remain  in  wilful  sin,  who  keep  not 
God's  commandments,  and  live  without  rule  or  order. 

,,  3.  Donnymoor  and  Kilbride  (Rev.  Pat.  Ferrall),  none  con- 
firmed.— On  cursing  and  swearing. 

„  4.  Dunboyne  (Rev.  James  Connell),  4. — On  drunkenness 
and  neglect  of  Paschal  duty. 

„  5.  Kilcloon  and  Radenstown  (Rev.  James  Ferrall),  9. — 
On  scandal. 

„  7.  Galtrim  (Rev.  Richard  Neighan),  17. — On  the  dis- 
position with  which  the  faithful  ought  'to  prepare 
for  receiving  the  Holy  Ghost,  viz.  : — Contrition, 
recollection,  prayer,  concord,  and  harmony. 


THE  BISHOPS   OF  HEATH — DE.   PLUNKET. 

Oct.  14.  Summerhill  (Rev.  John  Cregan),  21. — On  the  lov«  of 
the  neighbour,  and  on  the  vices  of  the  parish. 

„  16.  Rathmullian  (Rev.  Pat.  Harte,  O.P.),  42.— On  the 
eternal  punishment  of  the  wicked. 

„  17.  Conference  of  the  district  at  Rathmullian,  "  deadibus 
humanis,"  made  by  Rev.  F.  Brenan,  junior,  who 
also  preached  on  the  employment  of  time. 

„  18.  Longwood  (Rev.  Michael  Fleming,  O.P.  and  Vic.-For.), 
27. — On  the  disorders  of  the  passions. 

„  21.  Clonard  (Rev.  Garrett  Reilly),  43. — On  prayer. — Ee- 
marks  on  clandestine  marriages. 

„  28.  Dunsany  (Rev.  James  Fleming),  14. — On  drunken- 
ness, thieving,  and  swearing. 

„     31.  I  returned  to  Navan,  after  having  visited  all  the  other 

parishes  of  the  diocese. 

Nov.  1.  Navan  (Patrick  Joseph  Plunket,  Bishop  of  the 
diocese,  and  P.P.  of  Navan ;  Rev.  Peter  O'Reilly, 
Assistant). — Sermon  :  On  the  virtues  and  the  hap- 
piness of  the  saints. 

„       6.  Navan,  62  confirmed. 

,,  17.  This  day,  at  seven  o'clock  in  the  morning,  died  Rev. 
Edward  *  M'Cormick,  P.P.  of  Castletown  Delvin, 
and  on  the  evening  of  the  same  day  I  appointed 
Rev.  Mr.  Moraii  P.P.  in  his  room. 

3.  Visitation  of  ~tf§3. 

Feb.  9.  Leave  granted  to  eat  meat  at  the  one  meal  in  the 
diocese  of  Meath  on  Sundays,  Mondays,  Tuesdays, 
and  Thursdays,  during  the  ensuing  Lent,  from  the 
first  Sunday  to  Palm  Sunday  inclusively.  Leave 
also  given  to  eat  eggs  at  the  one  meal  every  day, 
Fridays  excepted.  during  the  same  period. 

„  19.  The  Most  Rev.  Dr.  Richard  O'Reilly,  Archbishop  of 
Armagh,  and  Primate  of  all  Ireland,  received  the 
Pallium  in  the  chapel  of  Navan  after  Mass.  The 
Bishop  of  Meath  represented  the  Holy  See  on  the 
occasion. 

„  21.  Mass  celebrated  at  Navan  for  the  repose  of  the  soul 
of  the  late  most  Christian  King  Louis  XVI. 

.,  28.  Anniversary  of  my  consecration  on  the  28th  of 
February.  1779. 

*  He  sleeps  in  the  churchyard  of  Athlumney. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  261 

Mar.  23.  This  evening  the  spiritual  retreat  began,  previous  to 
the  ordination  of  John  Fay,  Eugene  O'Reilly, 
Michael  Keoghan,  and  Patrick  O'Leary. 
„  30.  Eugene  O'Reilly,  Michael  Keoghan,  and  Patrick 
O'Leary  received  the  Tonsure ;  same  day  John 
Fay,  together  with  the  preceding  candidates,  re- 
ceived the  four  minor  orders  and  subdeaconship. 

,,  31.  Easter  Sunday — The  above  four  candidates  received 
deaconship,  and  on  the  2nd  of  April,  being  Easter 
Tuesday,  they  were  ordained  priests. 

„  „  Same  day  departed  this  life  the  Rev.  Nicholas  Tra- 
vers,*  O.P.,  and  P.P.  of  Clara,  i.e.,  Kilbride  and 
Horseleap,  aged  about  ninety  years. 

May  3.  Friday — Died  of  a  dropsy,  Rev.  Michael  Fleming,! 
O.P.,  and  P.P.  of  the  union  of  Killyon,  Ballivre, 
Castlerickard,  and  Longwood,  a  Vicarius-Foraneus 
of  the  district  of  Rathmullian. 

„  ,,  Same  day  I  appointed  to  the  administration  of  the 
above  parishes  Rev.  Laurence  Shaw,  O.P.,  a  native 
of  the  diocese  of  Meath.  The  Rev.  Michael  Tip- 
per was  appointed  Vic. -For.  of  the  district  of 
Rathmullian,  in  the  room  of  Rev.  Michael  Fleming. 

June  4.  Divine  Service  was  performed  this  day  in  thanksgiv- 
ing to  God  for  the  signal  benefits  conferred  on  the 
Catholics  of  Ireland  by  the  Act  of  Parliament 
passed  on  the  9th  of  last  April. 

„  17.  Monday — The  Rev.  Patrick  Moore,  parish  priest  of 
St.  Mary's,  Drogheda,  Colpe,  and  Kilsharvan, 
departed  this  life ;  and  on  the  same  day  I  ap- 
pointed Rev.  William  Harford  to  succeed  him. 

July  18.  At  the  quarter  sessions  held  at  Navan  this  day,  I 

took  the  declaration  and  new  oath  prescribed  by 

the  Act  of  Parliament  passed  this  year  in  favour 

of  the  Catholics  of  Ireland. 

On  Saturday,  the  3rd  of  August,  in  the  morning,  I  left  Navan 

to  begin  the  visitation. 

Aug.    3.  I  began  the  visitation  at  Slane  (Rev.  Thomas  Clarke, 

P.P.),  27  confirmed. — Sermon  :  On  prayer. 
„       4.  Drogheda  (Rev.  William  Harford),  19.— On  the  delay 
of  repentance  and  amendment. 

*  He  rests  in  the  churchyard  of  Kilbride. 
f  He  rests  in  the  graveyard  of  Killyon. 


262  THE   BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DR.    PLUNKET. 

Aug.  5.  Monknewtown  (Eev.  Laurence  Chevers),  9. — Fraternal 
correction. 

„  6.  Tuesday — Meeting  of  the  prelates  of  Armagh  province 
at  Drogheda.  The  claim  of  Mr.  M'Guire,  of 
Tempo,  to  the  right  of  presentation  to  the  parish  of 
Inniskillen,  &c.,  discussed  and  rejected  by  all  the 
prelates  present,  except  Dr.  M'Guire,  of  Kilmore. 
All  the  bishops  of  the  province  assisted  at  the  meet- 
ing, except  Dr.  Coyle,  of  Eaphoe.  Dr.  Plunket  pro- 
posed to  the  assembly  a  number  of  queries  con- 
cerning the  ecclesiastical  government  of  Ireland, 
sent  from  England  by  some  of  the  emigrant 
bishops  and  priests  of  France ;  and  he  drew  up 
answers  with  the  approbation  of  the  meeting. 

,,  9.  Stamullin  (Rev.  Patt.  Ennis),  10. — On  confession  :  its 
efficacy  prevented  by  the  vague  resolutions  of  the 
penitent,  and  by  the  neglect  of  shunning  the 
occasions  of  sin. 

„     10.  I  spent  this  day  at  Harbourstown. 

„  11.  Ardcath(Rev.NicholasPurfield,P.P.andVic.-For.),17. 
— On  death :  our  spiritual  foe  eludes  the  conviction 
of  the  certainty  of  death  by  suggesting  to  us  that  we 
are  not  to  die  this  day,  this  week,  this  month,  this 
year,  &c. 

„  12.  Conference  of  Duleek,  made  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Halli- 
gan,  on  the  impediments  of  matrimony. 

„  13.  Duleek  (Rev.  John  Kearney),  30. — On  faith,  with 
strictures  on  the  disturbers  of  the  peace. 

„  14.  Donore  (Rev.  Mr.  Johnson),  31. — On  the  sentiments 
that  ought  to  distinguish  the  Catholics  of  Ireland 
at  this  time. 

„  15.  Curraha  (Rev.  Pat.  Keonan),  12. — The  forgiveness 
of  sins,  and  cautions  against  riotous  distur- 
bances. 

„  16.  Rathfeigh  (Rev.  Christopher  Byrne),  10. — Cautions 
against  disturbances  of  the  peace,  with  some  allu- 
sions to  the  wicked  attack  made  upon  the  house 
of  the  parish  priest  by  an  armed  banditti. 

„  17.  Walterstown  (Rev.  James  Callaghan),  18. — On  the 
loyalty  and  dutiful  condiict  by  which  Catholics 
ought  at  this  period  to  be  distinguished. 

„     18.  Dunshaughlin  (Rev.  Thomas  Fagan),  6. — On  delay  of 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  HEATH — DR.   PLUNKET.  263 

repentance  and  conversion,  with  caution  against 
riot  and  disobedience  to  the  laws. 

Aug.  19.  Ratoath  (Rev.  Patt.  Langan),  16. — On  profane  curs- 
ing and  swearing,  with  cautions  against  all  dis- 
turbances of  the  peace. 

„  20.  Donnymoor  and  Kilbride  (Rev.  Patt.  Ferrall),  3  con- 
firmed.— Catholic  attachment  to  religious  prin- 
ciples, and  Catholic  allegiance,  and  loyalty. 

„     21.  Dunboyne  (Rev.  James  Connell),  7.— Attachment  to 

religion,  and  allegiance,  and  loyalty. 
„    This  day  the  Earl  of  Fingall  died  at  Turbotstown,  at 
five  o'clock  in  the  morning. 

,,  22.  Kilcloon  (Rev.  James  Ferrall),  15. — Attachment  to 
religion,  and  obedience  to  the  laws. 

,,      ,,    This  day  I  came  to  Dunshaughlin. 

,,  23.  I  said  Mass  at  Killeen  Castle  for  the  repose  of  the 
soul  of  the  Earl  of  Fingall. 

„  24.  I  sang  the  High  Mass  with  the  same  intention,  and 
presided  at  the  Office,  at  which  twelve  priests 
assisted,  and  was  present  at  the  interment,  which 
took  place  between  six  and  seven  o'clock  in  the 
evening. 

„  25.  Trim.  Rev.  Henry  Dougherty,  P.P. ;  Rev.  John  Gor- 
man, Curate),  15. — On  the  sin  of  relapse. 

„  26.  Conference  at  Trim — Subject,  "  De  Jure  et  Justitia," 
made  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Coffey. — Sermon  preached 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Fleming. 

„     27.  Moimet(Rev.  Michael  Tipper,  O.M.,  Vic.-For.),  17. 

„  28.  Ardbraccan  (Rev.  Peter  O'Reilly,  P.P. ;  Rev.  Michael 
Branagan,  Deservitor),  7. — Catholic  loyalty. 

„  29.  Rev.  Joseph  O'Ferrall,  19. — The  sacrifice  of  the  Mass, 
Catholic  piety,  and  Catholic  loyalty. 

„     30.  Kilkskeer  (Rev.  James  O'Ferrall),  35. 

„     31.  Killallon  (Rev.  John  Murray),  17. — The  mercy  of  God 

inviting  us  to  repentance. 

Sept.  1.  Athboy  (Rev.  John  Martin,  Vic.-For.),  11. — On  the 
means  of  preventing  relapse  into  sin,  and  strictures 
on  the  late  scandalous  riots  of  Athboy. 

„  3.  Oldcastle  (Rev.  Bernard  Reilly),  21. — Forgiveness  of 
injuries. 

„  5.  Killiegh  and  Kilbride  (Rev.  Peter  Brady),  6.— • 
Catholic  piety. 


264  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Sept.    6.  Maine  (Rev.  Pat.  Fanning),  6. — Catholic  sentiments 
respecting  our  King  and  country. 

„  7.  This  day  I  went  to  meet  Dr.  Flood  at  Mr.  Campbell's, 
below  Carlanstown,  where  I  dined. 

„  8.  Castlepollard  (Rev.  Thomas  Connell — in  his  absence, 
and  that  of  his  brother  and  curate,  on  account  of 
bad  health,  I  visited  the  parish,  taken  care  of  by 
Rev.  Mr.  Drake,  second  curate),  15  confirmed. — 
Sermon  :  On  the  profanation  of  Sunday,  neglect 
of  catechism,  and  on  Catholic  allegiance  and 
loyalty. 

„       ,,    In  the  evening  I  returned  to  Turbotstown. 

„  9.  This  day  I  remained  at  Turbotstown,  whither  I  came 
sooner  than  I  first  intended,  to  pay  my  respects 
to  the  Countess  of  Fingall,  after  the  death  of  the 
late  Earl. 

„  10.  Collinstown  (Rev.  John  Murray),  17. — Sermon:  On  the 
evil  of  clandestine  marriages,  with  strictures  on 
the  late  tumultuous  meeting. 

„  11.  Castletown-Delvin  (Rev.  James  Moran),  18. —  Clan- 
destine marriages,  patrons,  and  the  obligation  of 
allegiance  and  loyalty. 

„  12.  Turin  (Rev.  Thomas  Stafford),  3. — Clandestine  mar- 
riages. 

„     13.  Multifarnam  (Rev.  Thomas  Moran,  O.M.),  4. 

„     14.  Sonna  (Rev.  John  Byrne),  16. — On  human  respect. 

„     15.  Mullingar  (Rev.  Laurence  Fitzgerald,  O.P.),  11. 

„  16.  Conference  of  the  district:  subject,  "Impedimenta 
Matrimonii,"  made  by  Rev.  Bryan  Coffy. — The 
sermon  was  preached  by  John  Byrne,  of  Sonna,  on 
the  effects  of  the  descent  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

„     17.  This  day  I  dined  at  Tulhan. 

,,     18.  Dysart  (Rev.  John  Duffey),  9. — On  clandestine  mar- 
riages. 

„     19.  Milltown  (Rev.  John  Wyer),  17. 

„     20.  Moyvour  (Rev.  James  Woods),  6. 

„  21.  Kilkenny  West  and  Bunowen  (Rev.  Michael  McCor- 
mack),  1 . — Sauctification  of  the  Lord's  Day. 

„  22.  Ballimore  (Rev.  Daniel  Mulledy,  Vic.-Gen.),  82.— Re- 
membrance of  death. 

„  23.  Conference  of  the  district,  made  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Lyons,  Curate  of  C.  T.  Geoghegan — "  De  Legilus." 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  265 

— Sermon  :    On   the   Last   Judgment,   by    Rev. 

Thomas  Dunn,  P.P.  of  Kilbeggan. 
Sept.  24.  Kill  and  Kilmonaghan  (Rev.  Pat.  McNamee),  35. — 

On  good  works,  especially  the  doing  of  our  ordi- 
nary actions  well. 

,,     25.  This  day  1  spent  at  Rosemount. 
„     26.  Clara  (Rev.  James  Daly),  57. 
„     27.  Rathen  (Rev.  James  Murray),  60 The  shortness  and 

misery  of  this  life. 
„     28.  Conference  at  Frankford :    subject,  "  De  Baptismo" 

made  by  Rev.  Mr.   Kearney. — Sermon  by  Rev. 

Mr.  Egan,  on  prayer. 

„     29.  Frankford  (Rev.  Michael  Kearney),  44. 
„     30.  This  day  I  dined  at  Mr.  Stoney's. 
Oct.     1.  Eglish  (Rev.  John  Egan,  O.M.),  50. — Interior  virtue. 
„  This  evening  I  went  to  Mr.  Bennett's. 

4.  This  day  I  returned  to  Frankford. 

5.  This  day  I  came  to  Rev.  Pat.  Geoghegan's,  P.P.  of 

Tullamore. 

6.  Tullamore  (Rev.  Pat.  Geoghegan),  53. 

7.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Joseph  Flanagan's,  Tullamore. 

8.  Kilbeggan  (Rev.  Thomas  Dunn),  32. 

9.  Castletown-Geoghegan  (Rev.  James  Commons),  26. 
10.  Fertullagh  (Rev.  Bryan  Coify,  O.P.),  38. 

„  Farbill,  governed  by  Rev.  Messieurs  Grehan  and 
Swords. 

13.  Kinnegad  (Rev.  Laurence  Grehan),  55. — Paschal 
comn:union.  A  new  chapel  having  been  erected 
at  Kinnegad,  this  was  the  first  visitation  held  in 
that  town ;  the  concourse  of  people  on  the  occa- 
sion was  very  great. 

15.  Clonard  (Rev.  Garretb  O'Reilly),  47.— Death,  clan- 
destine marriages. 

20.  Balliver  (Rev.  Laurence  Shaw,  O.P.,  Administrator  of 

the  parishes),  19 — On  profane  swearing. 

21.  I  remained  at  Donore. 

22.  Kildalkey  (Rev.  Laurence  O'Reilly),  22.— Neglect  of 

parents  relative  to  the  catechism  and  early  educa- 
tion of  their  children.  A  Spanish  gentleman 
assisted,  and  appeared  edified  at  the  ceremony. 

23.  This  day  I  dined  at  Clown. 

24.  This  day  I  dined  at  Mr.  Brown's  of  Killaconikan. 


2GG  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Oct.   25.  I  returned  to  Donore. 

„     27.  Rathmullian  (Eev.  Pat.  Harte,  O.P.),  19. 

„  28,  Conference  at  Eathmullian  made  by  Eev.  Garrett 
O'Eeilly. — The  sermon  preached  by  the  Eev. 
Martin  Harte,  on  the  delay  of  repentance. 

„  29.  Summerhill  (Eev.  John  Cregan),  32. — Acknowledge- 
ments expressed  for  Mr.  Eowley's  contribution, 
and  that  of  Lord  Bective  and  Mr.  Winter, 
towards  the  erection  of  the  second  chapel  in  the 
parish,  with  remarks  reprobating  the  riotous  dis- 
position of  some  of  the  people  at  fairs,  &c. 
Nov.  1.  Moynalvey,  (Eev.  Ei chard  Meighan),  13. — Clandes- 
tine marriages.  This  evening  I  came  with  Eev. 
Mr.  Fagan  to  Dunshaughlin. 

„       2.  This  afternoon  I  went  to  Sydenham. 

„  3.  Blacklyon  (Eev.  Thomas  Walsh),  22.— I  went  to 
Navan  this  evening. 

„       4.  Kilberry  (Eev.  Christopher  Linnon,  O.M.),  12. 

„  5.  Mullaghe  (Eev.  John  Clarke),  32. — This  evening  I 
went  from  Mountainpole  to  Newgrove,  where  I 
dined  on  the  6th. 

7.  Moynalty  (Eev.  Pat.  Carolan),  25. — Eeflections  on  the 
mischief  brought  on  the  parish  by  the  Defenders. 

„       8.  Kilbeg  (Eev.  George  M'Dermott),  12. 

„       9.  This  day  I  went  to  Eahood,  where  I  dined  and  slept. 

„     10.  Castletown-Kilpatrick  (Eev.  Pat.  M'Dermott),  11. 

„  11.  Syddan  (Eev.  John  Eeilly),  9  confirmed  for  this 
parish  at  Nobber  and  Drumcondra. —  Sermon  : 
Against  the  riotous  and  lawless  disposition  of 
some  of  the  people. 

„  12.  Nobber  (Eev.  William  M'Kenna,  Archdeacon  and 
Vic. -For.),  35. 

„  13.  Drumcondra  (Eev.  Luke  Maglew),  2. — Eeflections 
on  the  riotous  and  disorderly  proceedings  of  the 
lower  class  of  the  people. 

„  14.  Muff  (Eev.  Pat.  Bermingham),  15. — On  the  neglect 
of  the  Sacraments. 

„  15.  I  returned  to  Navan,  where  I  remained  until  Sunday 
following. 

„  17.  Dunsany  (Eev.  James  Fleming),  12. — This  day  I 
spent  at  Lord  Fingall's. 

„     18.  I  went  to  Dublin  to  assist  at  the  meeting  of  our 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  267 

metropolitans — The  Most  Rev.Drs.  O'Reilly,  Troy, 
Bray  of  Cashell,  and  Egan  of  Tuam — at  which 
assisted  the  Right  Rev.  Drs.  Plunket  of  Meath, 
Moylan  of  Cork,  Bellew  of  Achonry,  Caufield  of 
Ferns,  and  Teahan  of  Kerry. 
Nov.  23.  I  returned  from  Dublin. 

„  24.  Sunday.  At  Navan  I  finished  the  visitation  of  the 
diocese  of  Meath. — Catholic  allegiance  and  the 
abuses  of  the  parish  were  the  subject  of  exhor- 
tation. 

„     29.  Confirmation  held  at  Navan,  when  65  were  confirmed. 

4.     Visitation  of  1794. 

The  Record  of  Visitation  of  this  year  has  been  lost. 
In  another  paper  of  Dr.  Plunkett's,  I  have  found  the 
following  entries : — 

Jan.  31.  Lawrence  O'Reilly,  P.P.  of  Kildalkey,  departed  this 

life,  after  an  illness  of  eight  days. 
Mar.  20.  Thursday.      I  appointed  Rev.  John  Rickard,  P.P.  of 

Kildalky,  in  the  room  of  Rev.  Lawrence  O'Reilly. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Visitation  of  1795. 

Apr.  22.  I  finished  the  intentions  which  I  had  to  discharge  for 

the  Rev.  Edward  Lisward. 
„     27.  This  clay  I  went  to  Dublin  on  account  of  the  Catholic 

Education  Bill,  and,  being  invited  to  the  house  of 

Dowager  Lady  Fingall,  remained  in  town  until 

Saturday,  2nd  of  May. 
May  17.  Navan    (Patrick  Joseph    Plunket,    Bishop,  P.P.  of 

Navan),  63  confirmed. — Sermon  :    On  preparing 

for  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  on  the  neglect  of  the 

public  duties  of  religion. 
„     19.  Kilberry   (Rev.    Christopher   Linnon,    O.M.),    18 — 

Neglect  of  the  Sacraments. 


268  THE  BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DK.   PLUNKET. 

May  20.  This  day  I  went  to  Sydenham  and  Killeen  Castle,  and 
returned  to  dine  at  Rathaldron. 

„  21.  Syddan  (Rev.  Henry  Connell),  4. — Sin  to  be  shunned 
and  repented  for;  the  flock  invited  to  practise  the 
virtues  peculiar  to  every  state.  I  spent  the  re- 
mainder of  the  day  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Taaffe  at 
Smarmor. 

„  22.  Drumcondra  (Rev.  Luke  Maglew),  7. — Drunkenness 
inveighed  against,  and  the  vices  that  spring  from 
it,  viz.  : — Acts  of  violence  and  plunder  pointed  at. 

„     23.  I  spent  this  day  at  Rahood. 

„  24.  Nobber  (Rev.  William  M'Kenna,  Archdeacon),  41. — 
Reflections  on  the  festival. 

„  25.  Inniskeen  (Rev.  Pat.  Bermingham),  78. — Repentance 
and  conversion  the  effects  of  the  descent  of  the 
Holy  Ghost. 

,,  26.  Conference  at  Nobber,  on  the  cases  of  conscience  that 
occurred  during  the  course  of  the  month. 

„     27.  I  spent  at  Rahood. 

„  28.  Moynalty  (Rev.  Pat.  Carolan,  P.P.,  Rev.  Peter 
M'Mahon,  curate),  23. — Repentance. 

„  29.  Killbeg  (Rev.  George  M'Dermott),  13.— Neglect  of  the 
Sacraments  caused  by  the  spirit  of  disturbance 
which  reigned  in  the  parish. 

„  30.  Mullahe  (Rev.  John  Clarke),  35  confirmed. — Sermon : 
Neglect  of  the  Sacraments. 

„  31.  Kilskeer  (Rev.  James  Ferrall),  30. — "We  owe  to  the 
Adorable  Trinity  the  homage  of  the  understand- 
ing and  of  the  heart. 

June    1.  Conference  at  Crossakeel,  made  by  Rev.  John  Reilly, 
on  the  authenticity  of  the  Pentateuch. 

„  2.  This  day  I  spent  at  Hamlinstown,  at  Mr.  Edward 
Kearney's. 

„  3.  Killiegh  and  Kilbride  (Rev.  Peter  Brady),  33.— 
Drunkenness  destroys  the  image  of  God,  is  the 
most  shocking  opposition  to  the  designs  of  Divine 
Providence,  and  murders  the  soul.  Submission  to 
the  laws  an  act  of  religion. 

„  4.  Oldcastle  (Rev.  Bernard  Reilly),  19. — The  doctrine  of 
the  Church  relative  to  the  Eucharist  established, 
and  practice  conformable  enforced,  also  obedience 
to  the  laws. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  209 

June    5.  This  day  I  spent  at  Stonefield. 

,,       0.  I  came  to  Athboy. 

„  7.  Athboy  (Rev.  John  Martin),  60. — Preparation  for 
death ;  neglect  of  the  Sacraments. 

„  8.  I  returned  in  the  morning  to  Navan,  thence  I  went 
to  dine  at  Killeen  Castle,  where  Lady  Fingall  was 
dangerously  ill.  I  went  from  thence  and  slept  at 
Dunshaughlin. 

„  9.  I  came  to  Dublin  to  meet  the  Catholic  prelates  ap- 
pointed trustees  for  the  erecting  and  endowing  of 
a  Roman  Catholic  College. 

July  10.  Friday.  This  day,  at  six  o'clock  in  the  morning,  died 
Rev.  James  Commons,  *  P.P.  of  Castletown- 
Geoghegan,  and  next  day,  llth,  I  appointed  Rev. 
John  Duffy,  P.P.  of  Dyssart,  to  succeed  him; 
and  at  the  same  time  I  sent  Rev.  Owen  CofFy  to 
take  care  of  the  parish  of  Dyssart  until  the  next 
visitation. 

„  26.  Sunday.  I  resumed  the  visitation  at  Ardbraccan 
(Rev.  Peter  O'Reilly,  P.P.,  Rev.  Michael  Branagan, 
Deservitor),  60. —  I  spoke  of  the  love  of  the 
neighbour,  and  of  the  guilt  and  madness  of  the 
prevailing  disturbances. 

„  27.  I  came  to  Dublin  to  attend  in  quality  of  trustee,  at  a 
board  of  the  trustees  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Col- 
lege, held  at  Dr.  Troy's,  and,  on  the  28th,  at  the 
Lord  Chancellor's  chambers,  in  the  House  of 
Lords,  when  it  was  decided  that  Maynooth  should 
be  the  place  for  establishing  the  Catholic  College. 
Aug.  5.  This  day  died  Rev.  Joseph  O'Ferrell,  P.P.  of  Kells. 

,,  7.  Friday.  This  day  I  appointed  the  Rev.  Peter 
O'Reilly  successor  to  Rev.  Joseph  O'Ferrall  in  the 
parish  of  Kells  ;  same  day  I  appointed  Rev.  John 
Clarke  president  of  the  Conference  of  Kells. 

„  8.  This  day  I  left  Navan  to  resume  the  visitation,  and 
dined  at  Mr.  Taylor's,  of  Frain  Castle. 

„  9.  Sunday.  Clonmellon  (Rev.  John  Murray),  47. — I 
spoke  of  the  Catholic  Seminary  and  of  the  enor- 
mity of  the  disturbances  that  prevailed. 


He  rests  in  the  graveyard  of  Ballybo^an. 


270  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET. 

Aug.  10.  I  dined  at  Mr.  John  Kearney's,  of  Milltown. 

„  11.  Castletown-Delvin  (Rev.  James  Moran),  49. — The 
abuses  of  the  parish,  particularly  the  enormity  of 
the  prevailing  disturbances. 

„  12.  Collinstown  (Rev.  John  Murray),  46.— Neglect  of  the 
Sacraments  ;  wickedness  and  madness  of  the  pre- 
vailing disturbances. 

,,  13  and  14.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Aylmer's,  at  Gillerstown. 
-  •„  15.  Castlepollard  (Rev.  Pat.  Smith),  131. — I  spoke  of  the 
neglect  of  the  Sacraments,  and  of  the  wickedness 
and  madness  that  marked  the  prevailing  disturb- 
ances, after  having  explained  Catholic  devotion'to 
the  Blessed  Virgin. 

„  16.  Mayne  (Rev.  Pat.  Fanning),  39. — I  spoke,  as  on  the 
preceding  day,  and  on  the  base  custom  of  stealing 
and  pilfering,  so  common  in  the  parish. 

„  17.  I  dined  in  company  with  the  Honourable  Mr.  Plunkett 
at  Mr.  Campbell's,  of  Castletown. 

„  18.  Taghmon  (Rev.  Thomas  Stafford),  41.— Devotion  to 
the  Blessed  Virgin ;  wickedness  and  madness  of 
the  prevailing  disturbances. 

„     19.  Multifarnam  (Rev.  Thomas  Moran),  7. 

,,     20.  I  dined  at  the  Franciscan  Convent. 

„     21.  Kilbixy  (Rev.  John  Byrne),  14. — Unlawful  oaths,  and 

the  prevailing  disturbances. 
,  „     22.  I  came  and  spent  the  day  at  Mullingar. 

„  23.  Mullingar  (Rev.  Laurence  Fitzgerald,  O.P.),  163. — 
I  spoke  of  the  prevailing  disturbances,  although 
they  had  not  yet  reached  Mullingar,  viewing  them 
in  their  motives  and  in  their  consequences.  I  also 
spoke  of  the  departure  from  the  simplicity  of  the 
faith  and  ancient  manners  ;  of  the  neglect  of  a  few 
particularly  bound  to  give  good  example,  with 
respect  to  annual  confession  and  the  Paschal  Com- 
munion, and  of  the  profane  custom  of  swearing 
which  marked  the  degeneracy  of  the  present  times. 
.  „  24.  Conference  of  Mullingar  on  the  statutes  of  the  diocese. 
Sermon  on  repentance,  by  the  Rev.  John  Ferrall, 
,  Curate  at  Castlepollard.  The  excommunication 
against  parties  who  contract  clandestine  marriages 
declared  to  be  reserved. 

„     25.  I  dined  at  Fulham,  and  same  day  Mr.   Reeves,  of 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUJSTKET.  271 

Mullingar,  came  tome  in  the  name  of  the  Protestant 
inhabitants  of  Mullingar,  to  request  a  copy  of  my 
exhortation  concerning  the  Defenders,  with  a  view 
to  have  it  printed. 

Aug.  26.  Churchtown  (Rev.    Owen  Cony,   Deservitor),  20. — 
I  spoke  of  neglect  of  assisting  at  Mass. 

„  27.  Rathconra  (Rev.  Mr.  Wyer),  27. — Detraction,  pro- 
miscuous assemblies  of  both  sexes,  the  occasion  of 
clandestine  marriages,  quarrelling,  swearing,  drink- 
ing, &c. 

„  28.  Moyvour  (Rev.  James  Woods),  23. — Wretched  state 
of  the  chapel ;  caution  against  the  prevailing  dis- 
turbances. 

„  29.  Kilkenny  West  (Rev.  M.  McCormack),  25. — The  riot 
and  resistance  to  lawful  authority  at  the  five-mile 
house  reprobated. 

„  30.  Ballimore  (Rev.  Daniel  Mulledy,  Vic.-Gen.),  136. — 
Neglect  of  the  Sacraments,  and  cautions  against 
the  disturbances  prevailing  in  some  parts  of  the 
country. 

„  31.  Conference  on  original  sin,  made  by  Rev.  Mr.  McDer- 
mott,  Curate  of  C.  T.  Geoghegan.  The  sermon 
preached  by  Rev.  Mr.  Fagan,  Curate  at  Drumrany, 
on  "  Fraternal  Correction."  This  evening  I  came 
to  Count  Nugent's  at  Balnacor. 
Sept.  1.  I  spent  this  day  at  Balnacor. 

„  2.  Kill  and  Killmonaghan  (Rev.  Pat.  McISTamee),  73. — 
Total,  on  the  part  of  some,  and,  on  the  part  of 
others,  partial  neglect  of  the  Sacraments ;  caution 
against  the  spirit  of  disturbance  prevailing  in  cer- 
tain parts  of  the  country. 

„       3.  I  spent  this  day  at  Rosemount. 

„  4.  Clara  (Rev.  James  Daly),  80. — Violation  of  the  laws 
of  the  annual  confession  and  Paschal  Communion. 
Remarks  on  the  propensity  to  quarrel,  yet  unsub- 
dued in  a  perfect  manner. 

„       5.  I  spent  this  day  at  Mrs.  Kelly's. 

„  G.  Rathen  (Rev.  James  Murray),  33. — Neglect  of  the 
Sacraments  on  the  part  of  a  few  ;  cautions  against 
Defenderism,  tending  to  prevent  its  propagation 
amongst  the  quiet  people  of  this  parish. 

„       8.  Frankford   (Rev.  Michael   Kearney),   51. — Motives, 


272  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

nature,  and  abuses  of  devotion  to  the  Blessed 
Virgin ;  the  guilt  of  quarrelling ;  neglect  of  Sacra- 
ments. 

Sept.  9.  Conference  made  by  Rev.  Pat.  Geoghegan.      Sermon 
preached  by  Rev.  John  Egan. 

„  10.  Eglish  and  Drumcullin  (Rev.  John  Egan,  O.M.),  59. 
— Drinking,  swearing,  and  quarrelling  diminished, 
but  not  extirpated,  owing  to  the  good  example  of 
those  who  wear  the  scapular,  who  were  cautioned 
against  affectation  in  the  acts  of  external  piety, 
and  exhorted  to  do  their  ordinary  actions  well. 

,,  13.  Tullamore  (Rev.  Pat.  Geoghegan),  62. — Neglect  of  the 
Sacraments;  nature  of  true  devotion  to  the  Blessed 
Virgin  ;  Ember  Week,  its  object,  &c. 

,,  14.  This  day  I  went  to  see  the  ground  destined  for  the 
new  chapel  at  Tullamore,  and  spent  the  remainder 
of  the  day  at  the  pastor's  house. 

.,  15.  Kilbeggan  (Rev.  Thomas  Dunn),  41. — Neglect  of  the 
Sacraments  among  those  who  think  themselves  of 
the  better  sort ;  rioting  and  quarreling ;  cautions 
against  Defenderism. 

.,  16.  Jamestown  (Rev.  John  Duffy),  30. — Rioting  and 
quarreling  ;  Ember  week;  the  design  of  the 
Church  explained. 

,,  17.  Fertullagh  (Rev.  Bryan  Coffey,  O.P.),  45  confirmed. — 
Neglect  of  parents  relative  to  the  Christian  educa- 
tion of  their  children  ;  cautions  against  De- 
fenderism, considered  in  its  motives  and  in  its 
consequences. 

,,     18.  This  day  I  spent  at  Mr.  Christopher  Coffy's. 

„  19.  I  spent  at  Mr.  Murphy's,  and  in  the  morning  I 
appointed  Rev.  Owen  Coffy  P.P.  of  Dyssart. 

„     20.  Kinnegad  (Rev.  Laurence  Grehan),  66. — Neglect  of 

tha  Sacraments.     Cautions  against  Defenderism. 
•  „     21.  Clonard  (Rev.  Garrett  Reilly),  80. — Devout  and  fre- 
quent use  of  the  Sacraments  unknown  ;  the  origin 
of  Defenderism,  its  motives  and  consequences  ex- 
posed to  view,  and  judged  by  reason  and  religion. 

„     22.  I  spent  this  day  at  Park,  with  Rev.  Mr.  Reilly. 

,,  '23.  Longwood  (Rev.  Laurence  Shaw,  O.P.),  47. — Clan- 
destine marriages,  swearing,  drinking,  Defender- 
ism, reprobated. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET.  273 

Sept.  24.  This  day  I  spent  at  Donore. 

„  25.  Kildalkey  (Rev.  John  Rickard),  22. — The  prevailing 
disturbances  reprobated^. 

„  26.  Moimet  (Rev.  Michael  Tipper,  O.M.),  17.— The  pre- 
vailing disturbances  reprobated. 

„  27.  Rathmullian  (Rev.  Pat.  Harte,  O.P.),  49.—  Defender- 
ism  reprobated  in  the  oath  it  tenders,  in  its  motives 
and  consequences  ;  strictures  against  drunkenness, 
the  usual  preparation  for  plunder  and  rapine. 

„  28.  I  went  to  Trim  to  assist  at  the  Conference  of  the  dis- 
trict, which  did  not  take  place  on  account  of  the 
absence  of  some  of  the  members,  who  had  not  re- 
ceived timely  notice.  Those  who  met  on  the  occasion 
dined  together,  after  which  I  went  to  spend  the 
night  at  Donore. 

„     29.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Nangle's,  of  Garisker. 

,,  80.  I  came  to  Rathmullian  to  the  Conference  of  the  dis- 
trict, made  by  Rev.  John  Cregan,  on  the  impedi- 
ments of  matrimony.  Rev.  Garrett  Reilly  preached 
on  the  grace  of  God. 

Oct.      1.  Summerliiil  (Rev.  John  Cregan),   50. — Defenderism 
reprobated,  and  drunkenness,  its  usual  companion. 

„       2.  I  spent  this  day  with  Rev.  Mr.  Cregan. 

„  3.  Galtriin  (Rev.  Richard  Meighan),  16. — Defenderism 
reprobated.  I  came  this  evening  to  Killeen  Castle, 

„  4.  Dunsany  (Rev.  James  Fleming)  27. — Defenderism 
reprobated. 

„       5.  This  day  I  spent  at  Killeen  -Castle. 

„  6.  Skreene  (Rev.  Christopher  Byrne),  7. — Defenderism 
reprobated,  and  drunkenness,  one  of  its  causes. 

.  „       „    This  evening  I  came  to  Mr.  Corbally's,  at  Sydenham. 

„       7.  This  day  I  spent  at  Sydenham. 

„       8.  Walterstown  (Rev.  James  Callaghan),  11. 

„       9.  Blacklion  (Rev.  Thomas  Walsh),  21. 

„  10.  Curraha  (Rev.  Pat.  Keonan),  24. — Defenderism  con- 
demned, and  neglect  of  the  Sacraments  pointed  at. 

„      11.  Dunshaughlin  (Rev.  Thomas  Fagan),  11. 

„  12.  Conference  of  the  district  of  Trim,  at  Dunshaughlin, 
made  by  the  Rev.  James  Fleming,  on  the  infalli- 
bility of  the  Church. — The  sermon  preached  by 
the  Rev.  Pat.  Ferrall,  oh  cursing  and  swearingT 

„     13.  Kilcloon  (Rev.  James  Ferrall),   6. — Neglect  of  the 

T 


274  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Sacraments ;  violation  of  Sundays  and  holidays  ; 
pilfering  and  stealing  reprobated. 

Oct.  14.  I  went  to  Dublin  this  morning  to  sign,  in  quality  of 
trustee,  the  leases  of  the  ground  at  Maynooth,  on 
which  the  Catholic  College  is  to  be  erected. 

„  15.  Dunboyne  (Eev.  James  Connell),  18. — Strictures  on 
the  neglect  of  the  Sacraments. 

„     16.  Kilbride  and  Donoughmore  (Rev.  Pat.  Ferrall),  3. 

„  „  This  evening  died  of  an  apoplectic  stroke,  Rev. 
Nicholas  Purfield,*  Parish  Priest  of  Arcdcath  and 
Clonalvy,  and  Vicarius-Foraneus  of  the  district  of 
Duleek. 

„     17.  Ratoath  (Rev.  Pat.  Langan),  2L 

„     18.  Duleek  (Rev.  John  Kearney),  40. 

„  19.  Conference  of  the  district  changed  into  attendance  at 
Rev.  Mr.  Purfield's  funeral  office,  &c. 

„  „  This  day  I  appointed  Rev.  William  Harford  Vicar- 
Foraneus  of  the  district  of  Duleek. 

„  20.  Ardcath  (during  the  vacancy),  35. — The  flock  cau- 
tioned against  Defenderism,  drunkenness,  and 
neglect  of  the  Sacraments.  I  slept  this  night  at 
Harbourstown. 

„     22.  Stamullen  (Rev.  Pat.  Ennis),  21. 

„     24.  Donore  (Rev.  Mr.  Johnson),  13. 

„  25.  Drogheda  (Rev.  William  Harford,  P.P.  and  Vic. -For.). 
— Cautions  against  Defenderism,  cursing,  and 
swearing ;  strictures  on  the  neglect  of  the  devout 
and  frequent  use  of  the  Sacraments. 

„     27.  Monknewton  (Rev.  Laurence  Chevers),  61. 

„     28.  Slane  (Rev.  Thomas  Clarke),  53. 

„     29.  I  spent  this  day  at  Causestown,  with  Mr.  Grainger. 

„     30.  Castletown-Kilpatrick  (Rev.  Pat.  M'Dermott),  9. 
Nov.    1.  Kells  (Rev.  Peter  O'Reilly),  43. 

„  „  I  remained  at  Kells,  at  the  house  of  Mrs.  Cruise,  until 
Friday  in  this  week. 

„  6.  I  returned  to  Navan,  and  commenced  my  residence  at 
the  chapel  lodge. 

„  8.  Trim  (Rev.  Henry  Dougherty,  P.P.,  afflicted  with 
the  palsy,  could  not  attend),  28  confirmed. — The 


*  He  rests  in  the  churchyard  of  Ardcath. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  275 

Bishop  and  clergy  were  invited  to  dine  at  Boris- 
town,  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Drake.     Here  ended  the 
visitation  for  1795. 
Nov.    9.  I  set  out  for  Dublin. 

„  10.  I  attended  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Trustees  for  the 
R.  C.  College.  The  four  archbishops  attended, 
with  Drs.  Plunket,  of  Meath  ;  Delany,  of  Kildare; 
and  Moylan,  of  Cork.  The  Board  sat  until  the 
19th.  The  prelates  did  not  all  separate  until  the 
26th  of  November. 

„     26.  I  returned  from  Dublin  to  Killeen  Castle. 
„     27.  I  came  to  Navan. 
„     30.  Died   Rev.    Thomas  Clarke,   P.P.  of  Slane,*   of  an 

apoplectic  stroke. 

Dec.  8.  This  day,  in  consequence  of  the  presentation  of  Baron 
Hussey,t  I  appointed  the  Rev.  Michael  Hanlon 
P.P.  of  Rathkenny,  and,  at  the  same  time,  gave 
him  the  administration  of  Slane,  cum  annexis. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Visitation  of  1796. 

Jan.  4.  This  day  I  married,  at  Tullaghanstown,  Miss  Alice 
Bonynge  to  Mr.  Michael  Fagan,  of  Ratoath. 

„  8.  This  morning,  at  one  o'clock,  died  Rev.  Patrick 
Smith,  P.P.  of  Castlepollard. 

„     11.  This  day  I  went  to  Killeen  Castle. 

„  12.  I  paid  my  rent  to  Lord  Fingall,  and  went  to  Syden- 
ham. 

„     14.  I  went  to  Causestown  to  see  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Grainger. 

„     15.  I  returned  to  Navan. 

„  29.  I  appointed  Rev.  John  Murray,  P.P.  of  Fore,  suc- 
cessor to  Rev.  Pat.  Smith  in  Castlepollard;  at 
same  time  I  nominated  him  Vicar-Foraneus  for 


*  He  rests  in  the  churchyard  of  Kilberry. 

t  Baron  Hussey  had  no  right  whatever  to  present. — See  note  on  advow- 
sons,  vol.  ii.  Diotese  of  Meath. 


270  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Castlepollard,  Fore,  and  Mayne,  as  a  sub-division 
of  the  district  of  Mullingar,  and,  of  course,  with 
sub-ordination  to  the  vicar  for  Mullingar. 

Feb.  1.  I  appointed  Rev.  James  Murray  P.P.  of  Fore,  in  the 
room  of  Rev.  John  Murray,  removed  to  Castle- 
pollard. 

April  8.  Sunday.  This  day  I  began  my  seventeenth  visitation 
at  Navan. 

„  „  Navan  (Patrick  Joseph  Plunket,  Bishop  and  P.P.), 
(58  confirmed. — The  sodality  of  the  Christian 
doctrine  recommended  as  a  remedy  for  the  igno- 
rance of  the  common  people,  and  their  degeneracy, 
causes  which  had  contributed  to  the  late  depre- 
dations of  Defenderism. 

„  4.  Kilberry  (Rev.  Christopher  Linnon,  O.M.)  21. — So- 
dality of  the  Christian  Doctrine  recommended 
on  the  same  grounds. 

„       6.  Syddan  (Rev.  Henry  Connell),  23. 

„  7.  Castletown-Kilpatrick  (Rev.  Pat.  M'Dermott),  11. — 
The  prevailing  degeneracy  of  manners,  and  the 
late  depredations,  owing  to  the  shameful  ignorance 
of  the  lower  orders,  and  to  the  decay  of  religion 
among  them. 

„       8.  I  spent  this  clay  at  Causestown. 

„       9.  I  spent  this  day  at  Rahood. 

10.  Nobber  (Rev.  William  M'Kenna,  Vic. -For.  and  Arch- 
deacon), 48. — The  Congregation  of  the  Christian 
Doctrine  recommended  as  a  remedy  for  the  igno- 
rance of  the  lower  orders,  and  for  the  degeneracy 
of  the  affluent. 

„  11.  Conference  on  the  occasional  difficulties  that  occurred, 
and  on  the  institution  of  the  Congregation  of  the 
Christian  Doctrine. — Sermon  :  On  repentance, 
preached  by  Rev.  John  Fay,  curate  of  Nobber. 

„  12.  Tuesday.  Drumcondra  (Rev.  Luke  M'Glew),  23. — 
The  ignorance  and  drunkenness  of  the  lower 
orders  exposed,  and  a  remedy  recommended  in 
the  Congregation  of  the  Christian  Doctrine. 

„     13.  Enniskeen  (Rev.  Pat.  Birmingham),  55. 

„  14.  I  went  to  visit  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Hugh  Reilly, 
Bishop  of  Clogher,  and  returned  to  Mr.  Birming- 
ham's. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  HEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  277 

April  15.  Moynalty    (Rev.     Pat.    Carolan,   P.P.,   Rev.   Peter 

M'Mahon,  Deservitor),  29. 

„     17.  Kells  (Rev.  Peter  O'Reilly),  67. 

„  18.  Conference  at  Kells,  on  the  nature  of  the  Congregation 
of  the  Christian  Doctrine. — I  went  to  Navan  this 
evening. 

„     19.  I  went  to  Dunshaughlin. 

„  20.  I  went  to  Maynooth,  where,  as  a  trustee,  I  assisted, 
while  Earl  Camden,  Lord  Lieutenant  of  Ireland, 
laid  the  foundation  stone  of  the  seminary  of  St. 
Patrick,  whence  I  had  the  honour,  with  Drs.  O'Reilly 
of  Armagh,  Troy  of  Dublin,  and  Dr.  Hussey,  to 
be  conducted  to  Dublin  in  his  Excellency's  car- 
riage, and  of  dining  at  the  Castle  with  the 
Viceroy 

„     21.  I  returned  to  Duushaughlin. 

„     22.  I  returned  to  Navan. 

„  23.  I  went  through  Kells  to  Stonefield  and  resumed  my 
visitation. 

„     2i.  Oldcastle  (Rev.  Bernard  Reilly),  38. 

„     25.  Kilbride  (Rev.  Peter  Brady),  15. 

„  26.  Logan,  at  Carnaross  (Rev.  John  Clarke),  76. — The 
Christian  Doctrine  recommended  as  a  remedy  for 
the  ignorance  and  degeneracy  of  the  people. 

„     27.  Kilskeer  (Rev.  James  Ferrall),  21. 

„     28.  Kilbeg  (Rev.  George  McDermott),  47. 

„     29.  Clonmellan  (Rev.  John  Murray),  50. 

„     30.  This  day  I  dined  at  Hamlinstown. 

„      „     To-day  died  Rev.  Henry  Dougherty,  P.P.  of  Trim. 
May     1.  Athboy  (Rev.  John  Martin),  90. 

„       3.  Moimet  (Rev.  Michael  Tipper,  O.M.),  9. 

„       5.  Ardbraccan  (Rev.  Michael  Branagan),  50. 

„  6.  This  day  I  appointed  Rev.  John  Clarke  P.P.  of  Trim, 
in  the  room  of  Rev.  Henry  Dougherty,  deceased. 

„       8.  Walterstown  (Rev.  James  Callaghan),  43. 

„     17.  Skreen  (Rev.  Christopher  Byrne),  10. 

„     19.  Blacklyon  (Rev.  Thomas  Walsh),  none. 

w     20.  Donore  (Rev.  Mr.  Johnson),  17. 

„     21.  Monknewtown  (Rev.  Laurence  Chevers),  24. 

„  22.  This  day  I  assisted  with  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Lennan 
at  the  consecration  of  Dr.  Dillon,  appointed 
Coadjutor-Bishop  of  Raphoe.  The  consecration 


278  THE  BISHOPS  OF  HEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

was  performed  by  the  Most  Rev.  Dr.  Reilly,  in 
the  presence  of  the  other  bishops  of  the  province, 
— viz.,  Drs.  M'Davett  of  Deny ;  Reilly  of 
Clogher ;  McGuire  of  Kilmore,  and  his  coadjutor, 
Dr.  Charles  Reilly ;  Cruise  of  Ardagh ;  McMullen 
of  Down  and  Connor,  who  held  their  provincial 
meeting  on  Tuesday,  24th  of  this  month. 
May  26.  Drogheda  (Rev.  William  Harford,  P.P.  and  Vic.- 
For.),  10. — On  the  festival  of  Corpus  Christi, 
Paschal  Communion,  and  the  Congregation  of  the 
Christian  Doctrine. 

„     27.  Stamullin  (Rev.  Pat.  Ennis),  10. 

„     29.  Duleek  (Rev.  John  Kearney),  16. 

„  30.  Conference  of  Duleek. — Subject:  "  De  jurisdidione" 
made  by  Rev.  Michael  Callan. 

„     31.  Ardcath  (Rev.  John  Leonard),  46. 
June    1.  Curraha  (Rev.  Pat.  Keonan),  12. 

„       2.  Ratoath  (Rev.  Pat.  Langan),  9. 

„       3.  I  spent  this  day  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fagan  at  Ratoath. 

„  4.  Kilbride  (Rev.  Pat.  Ferrall),  1. — The  ignorance  of  the 
lower  orders,  and  frequency  of  scandal  remedied 
by  the  Congregation  of  the  Christian  Doctrine. 

„       5.  Dunboyne  (Rev.  James  Connell),  17. 

„       7.  Radenstown  (Kev.  James  Ferrall),  13. 

,        8.  Dunshaughlin  (Rev.  Thomas  Fagan),  12. 

„  9.  Conference  of  the  district  of  Trim,  held  at  Dun- 
shaughlin. Rev.  Michael  Flood  defended  "  de 
legibus ;"  Rev.  Walter  Drake  preached. 

„  „  This  evening  I  returned  to  Navan,  where  I  remained 
until  Sunday  following,  when  I  went  to  resume 
my  visitation  at  Dunsany. 

„     12.  Dunsany  (Rev.  James  Fleming),  17. 

„  „  This  evening  I  spent  at  Killeen  Castle  with  the  Earl 
and  Countess  of  Fingall. 

„     13.  This  day  also  I  spent  at  Killeen  Castle. 

„     14.  Moynalvy  (Rev.  Richard  Meighan),  11. 

„     15.  Summerhill  (Rev.  John  Cregan),  17. 

,     16.  Conference  at  Rathmullian,  made  by  Rev.  F.  Hitchcock, 
"  de  actibus  humanis. "  Sermon  preached  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Martin,    curate   of  Rathmullian,   on  the  use  of 
poverty. 
18.  I  came  to  Rathmullian  to  Rev.  Mr.  Harte. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET.  279 

June  19.  Rathmullian  (Rev.  Pat.  Harte,  O.P.),  58. — Decency 
recommended  in  the  house  of  God,  &c. 

„      „     Killion  (Rev.  Laurence  Shaw,  O.P.),  21. — Congrega- 
tion of  the  Christian  Doctrine  recommended  as  a 
remedy  for  the  depravity  of  the  times. 
21.  I  paid  a  visit  at  Ballina  and  Garisker,  and  dined  at 
Donore. 

„    22.  Clonard  (Rev.  Garrett  O'Reilly),  75. 

„  23.  I  paid  a  visit  to  Mrs.  Dardis  of  Baltinoran,  and  dined 
with  Rev.  Mr.  Reilly. 

„  24.  Kinnegad  (Rev.  Laurence  Grehan),  67. — Spirit  of 
recollection  and  retirement  recommended  from  the 
example  of  St.  John. 

„     25.  Milltown  (Rev.  Bernard  Coffy,  O.P.),  40. 

„  26.  Mullingar  (Rev.  Laurence  Fitzgerald,  O.P.),  99. — 
Decay  of  piety ;  Congregation  of  the  Christian 
Doctrine. 

„  27.  Conference  on  "  Indulgences, "  made  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Carey,  O.P.  Sermon  preached  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Halligan,  O.P.,  on  the  Last  Judgment. 

,,  28.  Churchtown  (Rev.  Owen  Coffy),  35. — Sundays  and 
holidays  ill  observed  ;  Congregation  of  the  Chris- 
tian Doctrine  established. 

„  29.  Castletown  (Rev.  John  Duffy),  59. — Paschal  Com- 
munion neglected  ;  the  festival  of  the  day  alluded 
to  ;  Christian  Doctrine  established. 

,,  30.  Kilbeggan  (Rev.  Thomas  Dunn),  60. — Observations 
on  the  festival,  Paschal  Communion,  clandestine 
marriages. 

July  1.  Tullamore  (Rev.  Pat.  Geoghegan),  54. — Quarrelling 
on  St.  Columbkille's  Day  reprobated,  as  well  as 
delay  of  the  Paschal  duty ;  Congregation  of  the 
Christian  Doctrine  established. 

„  2.  Conference  at  Frankford,  made  on  the  Sacraments  in 
general,  by  the  Rev.  Thomas  Dowling,  curate  of 
Tullamore.  Sermon,  if  time  had  permitted,  to  have 
been  preached  by  Rev.  Mr.  O'Hara.  I  received 
hospitality  at  Mrs.  Stoney's  while  in  this  town. 

„  3.  Frankford  (Kev.  Michael  Kearney,  Vic.-For.),  54. — 
Reflections  on  the  Chair  of  St.  Peter ;  pilfering 
and  stealing  condemned ;  Christian  Doctrine  estab- 
lished. 


280  THE   BISHOPS  OF   MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

July    4.  This  day  I  spent  at  Castlewood  with  Mr.  and  Mrs. 

Fitzsimons. 
„       5.  Thomastown   (Eev.  John  Egan),    64. — Kioting  and 

quarrelling;  Congregation  of  the  Christian  Doctrine 

established. 
,        „    I  came  in  the  evening  to  Thomastown,  to  Mr.  Francis 

Bennett's 

„      .  6.  This  day  I  spent  at  Mr.  Bennett's  of  Thomastown. 
„       7.  Eathen    (Rev.    James   Murray),    57. — Eioting    and 

quarrelling  with  the  people  of  the  neighbouring 

parish    reprobated  ;    Congregation    of   Christian 

Doctrine  established. 
„       „  This  day  Eev.  John  Hernon  returned  from  Salamanca, 

and  was  approved  by  me  for  the  sacred  ministry. 
„       8.  I  spent  this  day  at  Eathen. 

„       9.  I  came  to  Clara,  and  dined  with  Mr.  John  Kelly. 
„     10.  Clara  (Eev.  James  Daly),  192. — Violation  of  the  laws 

of  the  Church  reprobated  ;  Congregation  of  the 

Christian  Doctrine  established. 
I  spent  this  day  at  Eosemount. 
Ballimore  (Eev.  Daniel  Mulledy,  Vic.-Gen.),  188.— 

Congregation  of  the  Christian  Doctrine  established. 

Neglect  of  the  Paschal  Communion,  and  ruinous 

state  of  the  chapel  remarked  upon. 
„    I  came  this  evening  to  Miss  Dillon's,  of  the  bridge. 

14.  Conference  of  the  district  on  various  cases  that  were 

to  be  decided. 

15.  Kilkenny,  West   (Eev.  Michael  McCormack),  21. — 

Neglect   of    the   annual   confession  and  Paschal 

Communion  condemned. 
„    I  came  to  the  bridge. 
TG.  Moyvour  (Eev.  James  Woods),  43. 
„    In  the  evening  I  came  to  Mount  Dalton. 
„    On   the    13th   of  this   month   I   ordered  Eev.  Mr. 

Geoghegan  to   make   a  regular  course  of  study 

before  he  exercised  any  longer  the  functions  of 

the  sacred  ministry. 

17.  Emper  (Eev.  John  Wyer),  9. — On  the  late  disturb- 

ances which  disgraced  the  parish  ;  neglect  of  the 
Paschal  duty ;  Congregation  of  the  Christian 
Doctrine  established. 

18.  I  spent  this  day  at  Mount  Dalton. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  281 

July  19.  Sonna  (Rev.  John  Byrne),  41. 

„     20.  Multifarnam  (Rev.  Thomas  Moran,  0.  Min.),  82. 

„     21.  Taghman  (Rev.  Thomas  Stafford),  75. 

„     22.  Mayne  (Rev.  Pat.  Fanning),  46. 

„       „    I  came  this  evening  to  Martinstown. 

„     23.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Joseph  Taylor's. 

„     24.  Castlepollard  (Rev.  John  Murray),  194. 

„     25.  I  dined  at  Mr:  Campbell's  of  Castletown. 

„  26.  Collinstown  (Rev.  James  Flood),  91. — The  first  con- 
fession of  young  persons  too  long  delayed ;  neglect 
of  Easter  duty  ;  Society  of  the  Christian  Doctrine 
established. 

„  27.  Castletown-Delvin  (Rev.  James  Moran),  80. — Ignor- 
ance of  the  great  truths  of  religion  ;  drunkenness ; 
Society  of  the  Christian  Doctrine  established. 

„  28.  Rathwire  (Rev.  Mr.  Swords),  43. — Neglect  of  Sacra- 
ments, of  the  instruction  of  youth  ;  backwardness 
in  repairing  the  chapel ;  Society  of  the  Christian 
Doctrine  established. 

„  29.  Kildalkey  (Rev.  Mr.  Rickard),  47.— Society  of  the 
Christian  Doctrine  established.  This  evening  I 
came  to  Clown,  where  I  spent  the  next  day. 

„  31.  Trim  (Rev.  John  Clarke),  36. — The  Society  of  the 
Christian  Doctrine  established  in  opposition  to  the 
prevailing  ignorance  of  the  lower  orders,  and  the 
general  depravity  of  the  times. 

„       „    This  evening  I  came  to  Boyne  Lodge,  to  Mr.  Bartho- 
lomew Barnewall,  where  I  spent  the  next  day. 
Aug.   2.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Drake's  of  Roristown. 

„       3.  I  returned  to  Navan. 

„  7.  Slane  (Rev.  Michael  Hanlon),  46. — Congratulations 
on  the  tranquillity  of  the  parish ;  the  Society  of 
the  Christian  Doctrine  established. 

„  „  Here  ended  my  seventeenth  visitation  of  the  diocese  of 
Meath. 

„       8.  I  spent  at  Mr.  Grainger's  of  Causestown. 

„       9.  I  returned  to  Navan. 

Nov.  8.  I  went  to  Dublin  to  assist  at  the  general  meeting  of 
the  College  Trustees,  which  began  on  the  9th,  and 
continued  successfully  until  the  16th. 

„  29.  This  day,  beginning  Mass,  I  found  my  head  suddenly 
affected  with  a  singular  kind  of  giddiness,  which 


282  THE  BISHOPS   OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

then  made  me  totter  on  my  legs,  and  afterwards, 
as  often  as  I  stooped  to  kiss  the  altar,  or  raised 
my  head  to  look  upwards.  Twice,  a  few  days 
before,  I  experienced  slight  symptoms  of  this 
dizziness  on  turning  my  head  suddenly  in  bed. 
In  consequence  of  this  complaint  I  did  not  say 
Mass  until  the  second  Sunday  of  Advent,  and 
then  only  in  private. 

Dec.    8.  I  said  Mass  in  public  this  day,  for  the  first  time  since 
my  head  was  affected  with  a  certain  giddiness. 

„     20.  I  went  to  Sydenham. 

„  21.1  went  to  Killeen  Castle,  and  returned  same  day  to 
Navan. 

„  25.  I  began  first  Mass  at  half-past  seven  o'clock,  and  did 
not  finish  the  third  until  past  eleven  ;  vespers 
began  at  four  in  the  evening,  were  followed  by  a 
Benediction  of  the  Most  Blessed  Sacrament,  and 
the  whole  ended  before  five  and  a-half. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

Visitation  of  1797. 

Jan.   15.  Sunday — Navan,  98  confirmed. 

Feb.  8.  This  day  I  went  to  Dublin  to  assist  at  the  Board  of 
College  Trustees,  and  continued  there  until  the 
17th  of  February.  The  Board  was  attended  by 
the  Most  Eev.  Drs.  O'Reilly  of  Armagh,  Troy  of 
Dublin,  and  by  the  Eight  Eev.  Drs.  Plunket  of 
Meath,  Moylan  of  Cork,  Delany  of  Kildare, 
Teahan  of  Kerry,  and  Hussey,  elected  Bishop  of 
Waterford  ;  and  by  Eichard  Strange,  Esq.,  and 
by  the  Earl  of  Fingall  in  the  conclusion. 

Mar.  3.  This  day  Eev.  Eugene  Eeilly  commenced  his  functions 
at  Navan  in  quality  of  second  curate  ;  and  he  and 
Eev.  William  Killen  began  to  reside  in  the 
Curate's  Lodge,  which  I  got  fitted  up  for  the 
purpose. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  283 

Mar.  8.  This  day  Mass  was  celebrated  to  avert  the  anger  of 
God,  and  for  the  restoration  of  an  honourable, 
speedy,  and  lasting  peace. 

April        I  went  this  day  to  Duleek,  and  from  thence  to  Gor- 

inanstoAvn,  and  from  thence  to  Harbourstown. 
„       9.  This  evening,  at  eight  o'clock,  died  Kev.  Christopher 
Linnon,   O.M.,  and  P.P.  of  Kilberry,  of  a  con- 
sumption, under  which  he  had   lingered  a  long 
time. 

„  20.  This  day  I  collated  Eev.  John  Fay  to  the  parish  of 
Kilberry,  in  the  room  of  Eev.  Christopher  Linnon, 
deceased. 

Eighteenth  Visitation  began. 

May  21.  I  began  my  visitation  in  Navan,  where  I  confirmed 
1 13,  and  spoke  of  the  abuses  of  the  parish,  especially 
of  the  scandal  which  persons  in  easy  circum- 
stances gave  to  the  lower  orders,  parents  to  their 
children,  masters  and  mistresses  to  their  servants, 
by  neglecting  the  Sacraments  and  the  public  wor- 
ship of  the  Church. 

June  3.  Saturday  afternoon  I  set  off  from  Navan,  and  came  to 
Kells  to  continue  my  eighteenth  visitation  of  the 
diocese  of  Meath,  commenced  at  Navan  on  Sun- 
day, 21st  of  last  month. 

„  4.  Kells  (Eev.  Peter  O'Eeilly),  223  confirmed. — I  spoke 
of  the  festival,  and  of  the  abuses  of  the  parish, 
neglect  of  Sacraments,  and  cursing  and  swearing. 

„  5.  Kilskeer  (Eev.  James  Ferrall),  115. — The  festival, 
drunkenness,  cursing  and  swearing,  even  of  the 
women. 

„       6.  Conference   of   the    district    at   Kells. — Eev.   Peter 

McMahon  preached  an  Irish  sermon  on  death. 
9.  The  festival  of  St.  Columbkille,  the  patron  of  Kells.    I 
was  requested  to  say  Mass,  and  I  took  occasion  to 
address  an  exhortation  to  the  flock. 

„  10.  I  remained  at  Kells  until  the  afternoon,  when  I  went 
to  Stonefield. 

„  11.  Oldcastle  (Eev.  Bryan  Eeilly),  89. — I  spoke  on  the 
festival,  and  alluded  to  the  prevailing  evil  habits 
of  the  flock,  drunkenness,  and  profane  cursing  and 


284  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

swearing,  and  particularly  by  a  wanton  disposition 
to  take  book-oaths. 
June  11.  I  returned  this  evening  to  Stonefield. 

„     12.  I  spent  this  day  at  Ballinlogh,  with  Mr.  Murphy. 

„  13.  I  spent  this  day  at  Little  Ballinlogh,  with  Mr.  Garrett 
Reilly. 

„  14.  I  spent  this  day  at  Hamlinstown,  with  Mr.  Edward 
Kearney. 

„  15.  Killiagh  (Rev.  Peter  Brady),  105. — I  spoke  on  the 
festival  of  "  Corpus  Christi,"  proving  the  doctrine 
of  the  Church,  and  recommending  a  conformable 
practice,  and  condemning  some  of  the  prevailing 
abuses,  bad  confessions,  and  profane  swearing. 

„      „    I  returned  to  Stonefield  in  the  evening. 

„  16.  I  came  to  Milltown  to  spend  the  day  with  Mr.  John 
Kearney. 

„     1 7.  This  day  I  passed  at  Newgrove. 

„  18.  Doulane  and  Loghan  (Rev.  John  Gorman),  101. — I 
spoke  of  the  Gospel  of  the  day  and  the  prevailing 
abuses,  viz.,  neglect  of  the  Sacraments,  and  drunk- 
enness. 

„  19.  Kilbeg  (Rev.  George  McDermott),  30. — I  spoke  of 
the  neglect  of  the  Blessed  Eucharist. 

„  20.  Moynalty  (Rev.  Pat.  Carolan,  P.P.,  Rev.  Peter 
McMahon,  Deservitor),  113. — Neglect  of  the 
Eucharist  injurious  to  Jesus  Christ,  and  detri- 
mental to  the  sinner. 

„  22.  Enniskeen  (Rev.  James  Birmingham),  56. — Neglect 
of  the  Sacraments.  Dr.  Reilly,  Bishop  of  Clogher, 
met  me  at  the  chapel,  and  spent  this  day  and  the 
next  with  me  at  Rev.  Mr.  Birmingham's. 

„  24.  Ardagh  and  Drumcondra,  at  Ballinavoran  (Rev.  Luke 
McGlew),  36. — I  spoke  on  the  festival  of  St.  John 
Baptist,  and  explained  how  the  saints  were  to  be 
honoured,  glancing  at  the  abuses  that  prevailed  in 
the  parish,  drunkenness,  swearing  profanely,  and 
the  immorality  of  wakes. 

„  25.  Nobber  (Rev.  William  McKenna,  Archdeacon  since 
the  schism  at  Kells),  73. — I  spoke  of  the  festival 
of  St.  John,  the  patron  day  of  the  parish,  enforc- 
ing the  imitation  of  the  saint  as  a  necessary  part 
of  the  honour  due  to  the  day. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  285 

June  26.  Conference  of  the  district  of  Navan  at  Nobber,  on  the 
sacrament  of  penance,  made  by  Rev.  Laurence 
Chevers.  The  sermon,  on  hell,  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Kavanagh. 

„  27.  Syddan  at  Lobinstown  (Rev.  Henry  Connell),  44. — 
Neglect  of  the  Sacraments  on  the  part  of  a  certain 
number ;  an  improvement  in  the  morals  of  the 
people  in  general  noticed. 

„  „  I  went  this  evening  to  Smarmor,  where  I  remained 
the  following  day  at  Mr.  Taaffe's. 

„  29.  Castletown-Kilpatrick  (Rev.  Pat.  M'Dermott),  53. — 
The  supremacy  of  the  Pope  established ;  the  faith 
of  Catholics  to  be  evinced  more  in  their  lives  and 
conduct  than  in  their  professions. 

„       „    This  evening  I  came  to  Rahood,  where  I  spent  the 

following,  at  Mr.  Cruise's. 

July  1.  I  came  to  Rathkenny  to  spend  the  day  with  the  Baron 
of  Galtrim. 

„  2.  Rathkenny  (Rev.  Michael  Hanlon),  54. — The  Pri- 
macy of  St.  Peter  and  his  successors,  the  Bishops 
of  Rome ;  the  faith  of  Catholics  to  be  illustrated 
by  their  exemplary  lives. 

„       „    I  returned  to  Baron  Hussey's. 

„  3.  I  came  to  Causestown  and  dined  at  Mr.  Grainger's, 
and  in  the  evening  I  returned  home,  after  an  ab- 
sence of  one  month. 

„  8.  This  morning,  after  a  few  days'  illness,  died  Rev. 
James  Ferrall,  P.P.  of  Kilskeer,  of  a  fever. 

„       9.  This  day  I  resumed  my  visitation. 

„  „  Kilberry  (Rev.  John  Fay),  61. — The  virtue  of  the 
followers  of  Christ  must  exceed  that  of  the  scribes 
and  pharisees. 

„  ,,  This  evening  the  Right  Hon.  the  Earl  of  Fingall  pre- 
sented* to  the  vacant  parish  of  Kilskyre  the  Rev. 
M.  Flood,  and  I  collated  him  to  it. 

„  11.  Walterstown  (Rev.  James  Callaghan),  20.— The 
abuses  prevailing  in  the  parish ;  neglect  of  Sacra- 
ments ;  profane  swearing,  &c. ;  and  a  thieving, 
filching  disposition. 


*  See  vol.  ii.,  p.  189. 


286  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

July  12.  Blacklion  (Rev.  Thomas  Walsh),  46. — Profane  curs- 
ing and  swearing  condemned. 

„  1 3.  This  day  I  spent  at  Balrath,  with  Mr.  Richard  Walsh, 
brother  to  the  parish  priest. 

„  14.  Cruisrath  (Rev.  Walter  Johnson),  11. — Neglect  of 
Sacraments,  and  of  the  repairs  of  the  chapel. 

„      „    This  evening  I  came  to  Drogheda,  to  Rev.  Mr.  Harford. 

„  16.  Drogheda  (Rev.  William  Harford,  Vic.-For.),  39.— The 
dangerous  times  foretold  by  St.  Paul  appear  in  the 
symptoms  which  indicate  their  approach,  viz., 
neglect  of  Sacraments,  daring  publicity  of  vice, 
ignorance  of  the  tenets  and  morality  of  religion,  a 
worldly  disposition  drowning  the  attention  due  to 
the  concerns  of  eternity. 

„  18.  Monknewtown  (Rev.  Laurence  Chevers),  61. — Neglect 
of  the  Sacraments,  and  of  the  instruction  of  youth 
in  the  principles  of  religion. 

„  19.  Stamullen  (Rev.  Pat.  Ennis),  23.— Neglect  of  the 
Sacraments,  and  of  the  Christian  education  of  re- 
ligion ;  profane  cursing  and  swearing. 

„  „  In  the  evening  I  came  to  Harbourstown,  where  I  spent 
the  next  day. 

„  21.  Clonalvy  (Rev.  Mr.  Leonard),  88. — Compliments 
paid  on  the  subject  of  the  new  chapel ;  neglect  of 
the  Sacraments,  and  drunkenness  reprobated. 

„  „  I  returned  to  Harbourstown,  where  I  spent  the  next 
day. 

„  23.  Duleek  (Rev.  John  Kearney),  76. — The  flock  compli- 
mented on  their  zeal  for  the  Divine  worship, 
proved  by  their  attention  to  vespers,  sung  in  their 
chapel  for  some  time  past,  and  by  a  most  frequent 
use  of  the  Sacraments;  true  virtue  consists  in  doing 
the  will  of  God. 

„     24.  Conference  of  the  district. 

„  26.  Curraha  (Rev.  Pat.  Keonan),  32. — Neglect  of  Pas- 
chal duty ;  swearing ;  and  drinking  to  excess. 

„  27.  Ratoath  (Rev.  Pat.  Langan),  24. — Paschal  duty 
omitted  by  some ;  congratulations  on  the  amend- 
ment of  many,  and  on  the  improved  state  of  the 
house  of  God. 

„  28.  Donnymore  (Rev.  Pat.  Ferrall),  13. — Profane  swear- 
ing condemned,  and  drunkenness. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DE.  PLUNKET.  287 

July  30.  Dunboyne   (Rev.    James  Connell),    23. — Neglect  o 
Sacraments — of  Paschal  Communion. 

„  31.  Kilcloon  (Rev.  James  Ferrall),  26. — Neglect  of  Sacra- 
ments ;  pilfering. 

Aug.    1.  Summer-hill  (Rev.  John  Cregan),  57. — Profane  swear- 
ing reprobated ;  sin  the  general  cause  of  calamity. 

„  2.  Rathmullen  (Rev.  Pat.  Harte,  O.P.),  72. — Neglect  of 
the  Sacraments ;  drunkenness;  profane  swearing, 
and  other  disorders  assigned  as  general  causes  of 
the  temporal  evils  which  fell  upon  the  parish. 

„  3.  Conference  of  the  district  made  by  Rev.  Martin  Harte, 
on  contrition  and  confession.  The  sermon  preached 
by  Rev.  Mr.  Meighan  on  the  text  "  mittite  eum  in 
tenebras  exterior -es." 

„  5.  Moynalty  (Rev.  Richd.  Meighan),  30. — Clandestine  mar- 
riages reprobated  as  well  as  the  neglect  of  the  Paschal 
duty;  frequenting  of  the  Sacraments  recommended. 

,,       „    In  the  evening  I  came  to  Killeen  Castle. 

„  6.  Dunsany  (Rev.  James  Fleming),  54. — Thieving  and 
stealing  reprobated ;  neglect  of  the  Sacraments  in- 
veighed against ;  the  frequent  use  of  them  recom- 
mended. 

„       „    I  dined  at  Lord  Fingall's. 

„  8.  Dunshaughlin  (Rev.  Thomas  Fagan),  33. — Clandestine 
marriages  condemned,  and  neglect  of  Paschal  Com- 
munion. 

„  9.  Conference  at  Dunshaughlin,  on  the  Divine  institution 
of  confession — made  by  the  Rev.  Pat.  Ferrall. — 
Sermon  on  the  mercy  of  God,  preached  by  Rev. 
James  Fleming. 

„  10.  I  went  to  visit  Kilcarty,  spent  the  day  with  Mr.  Tay- 
lor, and  returned  in  the  evening  to  Rev.  Mr. 
Fagan's,  at  Dunshaughlin. 

„     11.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Fagan's  of  Ratoath. 

„  12.  I  came  to  Sydenham,  to  be  near  duty  the  next  day, 
and  dined  at  Mrs.  Corbally's. 

„  13.  Skreene  (Rev.  Christopher  Byrne).  64. — Cursing  and 
swearing  condemned — drunkenness  and  neglect  of 
Paschal  duty.  In  the  evening  I  returned  to 
Navan  to  officiate  at  the  festival  of  the  parish, 
the  Assumption,  and  to  rest,  after  having  finished 
the  visitation  of  33  parishes,  half  the  diocese. 


288  THE   BISHOPS   OF   MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

Aug.  26.  Mass  for  Dr.  M'Mullen. 

„  31.  Clonmaduff  (Rev.  Michael  Tipper,  O.M.),  34.— Ne- 
glect of  the  Christian  education  of  children. 
Sept.  3.  Trim  (Rev.  John  Clarke),  56.— The  Gospel  of  the 
lepers,  cured  by  Jesus  Christ,  applied  to  the 
swearers  and  drunkards  of  the  parish,  and  to 
those  who  neglect  the  Sacraments. 

„  4.  This  day  I  spent  at  Boyne  Lodge,  with  Mr.  Bar- 
tholomew Barnewall. 

„  5.  Ballivre  (Eev.  Laurence  Shaw,  O.P.),  57. — Neglect 
of  the  education  of  youth. 

„       6.  This  day  I  spent  at  Donore. 

„  7.  Clonard  (Rev.  Garret  Reilly),  116.— Neglect  of 
Paschal  duty  ;  profane  swearing  reprobated. 

„  8.  Kinnegad  (Rev.  Laurence  Graham),  47. — Neglect  of 
Sacraments,  particularly  Paschal  communion ;  pro- 
fane cursing  and  swearing  condemned. 

„  9.  Rathwire  (Rev.  John  Swords),  48. — Detraction  in- 
veighed against. 

„  10.  Fertullagh  (Rev.  Bryan  Coffy),  60. — Profane  cursing 
and  swearing,  and  breach  of  the  Sunday  con- 
demned. 

„     11.  This  day  I  spent  at  Carrick,  at  Mr.  Edward  Murphy's. 

„  12.  Dyssart  (Rev.  Owen  Coffy),  27.  —  Observance  of 
holidays,  and  the  Christian  education  of  children 
enforced. 

„  13.  Castletown-Geoghegan  (Rev.  John  Duffy  \  73. — 
Observance  of  holidays,  and  the  early  confession  of 
young  persons  recommended. 

„  14.  Kilbeggan  (Rev.  Thomas  Dunn),  54. — Neglect  of 
Sacraments,  profane  cursing  and  swearing  in- 
veighed against,  compliments  on  the  peace  and 
subordination  of  the  town,  and  on  the  zeal  dis- 
played in  forwarding  the  erection  of  a  new  chapel. 

.„  16.  This  day  I  came  to  Rev.  Mr.  Geoghegan's  at  Arden, 
near  Tullamore. 

„  17.  Tullamore  (Rev.  Pat.  Geoghegan),  81. — Neglect  of 
the  Sacraments  complained  of;  the  nature  and 
design  of  the  institution  of  the  Ember  Days 
explained. 

„  18.  I  came  to  Frankford  to  the  Conference  of  the  dis- 
trict, which  did  not  take  place  on  account  of  the 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  289 

death  of  the  father  of  Rev.  Mr.  Hernon,  who  was 
to  preach  and  make  conference. 

Sept.  19.  Frankford  (Rev.  Michael  Kearney,  Vic.-For.),  94.— 
Omission  of  the  Paschal  Communion  condemned ; 
Ember  Days  explained ;  the  teachers  of  the 
Catechism  complimented;  congratulations  on  the 
peace  and  tranquillity  of  the  country. 

,,  20.  This  day  I  dined  at  Castlewood,  after  having  ex- 
amined young  Feighry,  a  young  candidate  for  the 
ecclesiastical  state. 

„  21.  Eglish  (Rev.  John  Egan,  O.M.),  50.— The  violation 
of  Sundays  and  holidays  reprobated. 

„  22.  I  dined  at  Castlewood,  and  returned  to  Rev.  Mr. 
Kearney's  at  Annville. 

„  23.  I  departed  from  Frankford,  and  came  to  dine  at 
Rathen  with  Rev.  Mr.  Murray. 

„  24.  Rathen  (Rev.  James  Murray),  69. — The  sinful  profa- 
nation of  Sundays  and  holidays  by  tippling  and 
drinking  reprobated ;  compliments  in  other  re- 
spects to  the  flock  for  their  love  of  order  and 
peace.  This  day  died  Rev.  Lawrence  Fitzgerald, 
O.P.,  and  P.P.  of  Mullingar,  of  a  tedious  illness, 
at  the  age  of  73.  I  appointed  Rev.  Garrett 
O'Reilly  to  administer  the  parish  of  Mulliiigar  in 
my  name  until  further  notice. 

„  26.  Clara  (Rev.  James  Daly),  103. — Profane  cursing  and 
swearing  condemned,  with  neglect  of  the  Sacra- 
ments ;  compliments  on  the  peaceable  state  of  the 
country. 

„  27.  Kill  and  Killmonaghan  (Rev.  Pat.  M'Namee),  75. — 
Neglect  of  the  Sacraments  pointed  at ;  humility 
enforced  from  the  Gospel  of  the  preceding  Sun- 
day; compliments  on  the  quiet  state  of  the 
country. 

„  28  and  29.  I  spent  these  two  days  at  Rosemount,  where 
I  received  a  present  of  a  rochet,  sent  me  by  Mrs. 
Magawly,  with  an  elegant  lace  border  given  me 
by  Miss  Bridget  Geoghegan  of  Rosemount. 

„  30.  Kilkenny,  West  (Rev.  Michael  M'Cormack),  45. — 
Compliments  on  the  tranquillity  of  the  district 
and  the  numerous  appearance  of  the  flock  at  the 
chapel ;  neglect  of  the  Sacraments  and  of  the 

U 


290  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Christian  education  of  children  pointed  at,  and 
condemned.  I  came  to  Miss  Dillon's  of  the 
bridge  in  the  evening. 

Oct.  1.  Ballimore  (Rev.  Daniel  Mulledy,  P.P.  and  Vic. -Gen.), 
78. — The  lawless  nocturnal  depredations  of  the 
infatuated  individuals  that  occasioned  the  burning 
of  houses,  and  the  shooting  of  some  persons  to 
death  by  martial  law,  lamented ;  the  people 
warned  against  such  mad  proceedings,  and  ex- 
horted to  be  resigned  under  the  calamities  they 
had  provoked ;  parents  condemned  for  not  send- 
ing their  children  to  confession  before  15  or  16 
years  of  age ;  the  unfinished  state  of  the  chapel 
noticed. 

„       2.  Conference  at  Ballimore. 
„       „    I  came  to  Ballinacor,  where,  on  the  3rd,  I  dined  with 

Mr.  Nugent. 

„  4.  Moyvour  (Rev.  James  Woods),  73 — The  causes  of 
the  late  nightly  depredations,  which  occasioned 
the  burning  of  a  number  of  houses,  pointed  out 
and  reprobated ;  the  people  exhorted  to  finish  the 
chapel. 

„       „    I  came  in  the  evening  to  Mount  Dalton. 
„       5.  MOtown  (Rev.  J.  Wyer),  45. — The  pilfering  habits 
of  some  of  the  people  inveighed  against,  as  also 
the  neglect  of  some  parents  who  did  not  send  their 
children  to  Mass  or  confession. 
-    „       „    I  returned  to  Mount  Dalton,  where,  on  the  6th,  I 

dined. 

„  7.  Sonna  and  Kilbixy  (Rev.  John  Byrne),  73. — Neglect 
of  parents  who  do  not  send  their  children  early 
to  confession,  nor  see  that  they  learn  their  Cate- 
chism. 

„  „  I  came  to  Mullingar  in  the  evening. 
„  8.  Mullingar  (Rev.  Garrett  O'Reilly,  Administrator  ad 
interim),  151. — The  calamities  provoked  by  noc- 
turnal plunder  held  up  to  view,  and  the  causes 
which  led  to  them  deplored  ;  with  warnings  to  the 
people  against  similar  excesses ;  cursing  and  pro- 
fane swearing  reprobated. 

„  9.  Conference — I  appointed  Rev.  Richard  Lyons  and 
Hope  to  administer  the  parish  of  Mullingar  ad 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  291 

interim;  and  I  nominated  Rev.  Mr.  Halligan,  O.P., 
curate  at  Clara,  in  the  room  of  Rev.  Richard  Lyons. 
Oct.    10.  I  dined  at  Mahonstown  with  Mr.  Shiel. 

„  11.  Turin  (Rev.  Mr.  Stafford),  104. — The  people  warned 
against  the  nocturnal  excesses  which  had  disgraced 
the  country,  and  against  profane  swearing  and 
neglect  of  the  Sacraments. 

„  12.  Multifarnam  (Rev.  James  Moran),  34. — The  calami- 
ties provoked  by  Defenderism,  and  their  causes 
deplored;  bad  company  and  drunkenness  par- 
ticularized. 

„     13.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Delamer's,  of  Lackin. 

„     14.  I  came  to  Castlepollard. 

„  15.  Castlepollard  (Rev.  John  Murray),  174. — The  people 
complimented  on  their  escape  from  the  calamities 
provoked  by  the  frenzy  of  other  districts.  Neglect 
of  early  confession  at  the  age  of  discretion,  and  of 
the  Christian  education  of  children,  imputed  to 
parents  •  drunkenness  and  swearing  reprobated. 

„     16.  This  day  I  went  to  Turbotstown. 

„  17.  Mayne  (Rev.  Pat.  Fanning),  50. — The  taking  away 
of  arms  and  the  killing  of  sheep  in  two  particular 
instances  reprobated ;  the  spirit  of  thieving  and 
stealing  condemned.  I  announced  to  the  flock 
Rev.  Mr.  Fanning's  resignation  of  the  parish,  on 
account  of  his  disabled  and  infirm  state  of  body. 

„     18.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Campbell's,  of  Castletown. 

„  19.  Foure  (Rev.  James  Flood),  42. — The  people  compli- 
mented on  the  tranquillity  of  the  country,  but  re- 
proached for  neglect  of  Paschal  Communion  and 
the  Christian  education  of  their  children. 

„  20.  Castletown-Delvin  (Rev.  James  Moran),  89. — Com- 
pliments on  the  tranquillity  of  the  country ;  in- 
vectives against  profane  cursing,  swearing,  and 
drunkenness. 

„  „  To-day  died  Rev.  Patrick  Harte,  O.P.,  and  P.P.  of 
Rathmullen — 

„     21.  I  appointed  Rev.  Laurence  Grehan  P.P.  in  his  room. 

„  „  I  added  Kinnegad,  with  the  corresponding  district,  to 
the  parish  of  Clonard,  with  an  obligation  imposed 
on  Rev.  Garrett  O'Reilly  to  attend  the  two  chapels 
of  Kinnegad  and  Corrystown. 


292  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Oct.  21 .  Clonmallon  (Rev.  John  Murray),  7 1 . — Compliments  on 
the  peace  of  the  country ;  neglect  of  some  parents 
with  regard  to  the  pious  education  of  their  chil- 
dren reprobated. 

„  22.  Athboy  (Rev.  John  Martin),  78. — The  barbarous 
custom  of  boxing  reprobated,  on  account  of  a 
young  man  who  perished  on  the  preceding  Mon- 
day, immediately  after  having  boxed  ;  tradesmen 
condemned  for  spending  Mondays  in  idleness,  &c. ; 
the  Society  of  the  Christian  Doctrine  recom- 
mended anew ;  the  inhabitants  of  the  country 
parts  of  the  parish  reproached  for  violating  the 
Sundays  and  holidays  by  drinking  to  excess. 

„     23.  I  dined  with  Mr.  George  Dowdall  at  Cawsistown. 

„  24.  Kildalky  (Rev.  James  Rickard),  32.— The  taking  of 
arms  by  night,  last  summer,  from  the  respectable 
inhabitants  of  the  parish,  reprobated;  as  also 
drunkenness  and  profane  cursing  and  swearing ; 
invectives  against  some  wicked  parents  who  are 
negligent  in  sending  their  children  on  Sundays 
and  holidays  to  learn  the  saving  truths  of  religion. 

„     25.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Gaughran's. 

„  26.  Ardbraccan  (Rev.  Michael  Branagan),  70. — Sundays 
and  holidays  violated  by  drunkenness  and  intoxi- 
cation of  many  of  the  flock ;  invectives  against 
this  vice,  and  against  a  few  who  kept  off  from 
confession  for  a  considerable  time  past. 

„       „    In  the  evening  I  returned  to  Navan,  after  having  finished 
my  eighteenth  visitation  of  the  diocese  of  Meath. 
Nov.    7.  This  day  I  went  to  Sydenham,  and  thence — 

„  8.  I  went  to  Dublin  to  assist  at  a  quarterly  meeting  of 
the  Trustees  of  the  College  of  St.  Patrick. 

„  10.  I  left  Dublin,  came  to  Dunshaughlin,  to  Rev.  Mr. 
Pagan's,  and  returned  next  day  to  Navan. 

„  29.  This  day  I  experienced  the  same  symptoms  of  dizzi- 
ness and  swimming  in  my  head  which  I  experi- 
enced the  last  day  of  November  last  year. 
Dec.  1.  This  morning  these  symptoms  increased,  and  pre- 
vented me  from  going  to  Dublin  to  attend  the 
Board  of  College  Trustees. 

„  9.  Celebrated  Mass  to-day  for  the  Right  Rev.  Dr. 
M'Davett,  Bishop  of  Deny. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DE.  PLUNKET.  293 

Dec.  10.  This  day  I  became  in  a  great  degree  free  from  the 
symptoms  of  dizziness  which  I  experienced  on  the 
29th  ult. 

„  12.  Celebrated  Mass  for  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Teahan, 
Bishop  of  Kerry. 

„  18.  This  day  Rev.  James  Dunn,  a  native  of  the  parish  of 
Rathmullian,  being  returned  from  Spain,  where 
he  finished  his  studies,  presented  himself  to  me. 

„  This  day  I  accepted  the  resignation  of  the  parish  of 

Mayne,  made  by  Rev.  Pat.  Fanning,  to  whom  a 
provision  of  £16  sterling  per  annum  was  allotted, 
with  an  interest  in  the  pastoral  house  and  land, 
given  by  the  family  of  Turbotstown — the  £16  to 
be  raised  partly  by  subscription,  and  partly  to  bo 
paid  by  his  successor. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

Visitation  of  1798. 

Jan.  This  day  I  appointed  Rev.  J.  Murray  P.P.  of  Mayne, 
in  the  room  of  Rev.  Pat.  Fanning,  who  resigned, 
and  is  to  be  supported  by  an  allowance  of  £16 
sterling  annually.  Same  day  I  sent  Rev.  James 
Carey,  O.P.,  to  serve  as  curate  at  Stamullin,  in 
the  room  of  Rev.  J.  Murray. 

„  17.  I  went  to  Dublin,  and  attended  the  Board  of  College 
Trustees,  at  which  assisted  the  Most  Rev.  Drs. 
O'Reilly,  of  Armagh  ;  Troy,  of  Dublin  ;  Bray,  of 
Cashell;  and  the  Right  Rev.  Drs.  Plunket,  of 
Meath ;  Moylan,  of  Cork ;  Delany,  of  Kildare ; 
French,  of  Elphin ;  Cruise,  of  Ardagh  (on  this 
occasion  chosen  Trustee),  and,  towards  the  con- 
clusion, the  Most  Rev.  Dr.  Egan.  The  Right 
Hon.  the  Earl  of  Fingall  was  the  only  lay  trustee 
who  attended,  and  he  attended  regularly.  The 
principal  business  done  by  the  Board  was  the 
raising  of  the  salary  of  the  professors  and  of  some 
of  the  officers  of  the  college,  and  the  appointing 
of  some  new  officers,  after  having  prepared  a 


294  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

petition  to  Parliament,  stating  the  wants  of  the 
establishment.  This  petition  was  well  received  by 
the  Eight  Hon.  Tho.  Pelham,  Secretary  to  his  Ex- 
cellency, Earl  Camden,  Lord  Lieutenant  of  Ireland. 
Jan.  29.  This  day  the  Board  of  College  Trustees  elected  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Peter  Flood,*  formerly  Professor  of 
Divinity  in  the  Royal  College  of  Navarre,  Paris, 
President  of  the  College  of  St.  Patrick,  Maynooth, 
in  the  room  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hussey,  promoted  to 
the  See  of  Waterford. 
Feb.  3.  This  day  died  Rev.  Richard  Lyons,  curate  of  Mullin- 

gar,  during  the  vacancy  of  the  parish. 

Mar.  14.  This  day  I  accompanied  the  Most  Rev.  Dr.  Troy  at 
Maynooth,  when  Dr.  Flood,  President  of  the  Col- 
lege of  St.  Patrick,  was  introduced  to  the  students. 

„  27.  This  day  I  sent  Rev.  Mr.  O'Leary  to  serve  as  curate 
under  Rev.  Mr.  Birmingham,  at  Inniskeen. 

„  28.  Rev.  John  Reilly  began  his  services  with  me  this 
evening. 

„     29.  Lord  Killeen's  birth-day ;  he  was  seven  years  of  age 

this  day. 

April  6.  This  night  I  wrote  to  Lord  Bective  to  make  his  Lord- 
ship acquainted  with  the  motives  of  delicacy 
which  deterred  me  from  assisting  next  day  at  the 
ceremony  of  the  laying  of  the  foundation  stone  of 
the  new  chapel  of  Kells,  which  his  Lordship 
graciously  condescended  to  perform.  His  Lord- 
ship returned  a  most  polite  answer,  and  approved 
these  motives. 

„  7.  Saturday — Earl  Bective  laid  the  foundation  stone  of 
the  new  chapel  of  Kells,  in  the  presence  of  a  great 
concourse  of  the  inhabitants  and  neighbouring 
gentry.  A  silver  trowel,  on  which  his  Lordship's 
donation  was  inscribed,  was  presented  to  his  Lord- 
ship; and  a  brass  plate  recording  the  donation 
and  the  ceremony  of  the  day  was  affixed  to  the 
foundation  stone. 

„  14.  This  afternoon  I  left  Navan  to  begin  my  nineteenth 
visitation  on  next  day  at  Kells. 

*  He  was  an  old  collegiate  friend,  and,  subsequently,  a  frequent  corre- 
spondent of  Dr.  Plunket's. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  295 

April  15.  Sunday.  Kells  (Eev.  Peter  O'Reilly,  P.P.),  153  con- 
firmed. I  spoke  of  the  Paschal  time  and  duty, 
calling  upon  the  faithful  to  avail  themselves  of 
this  season  of  mercy,  reproaching  those  who  had 
not  yet  thought  of  preparing  themselves  for  a 
participation  of  the  fruits  of  the  victory  of  Jesus 
Christ  over  sin,  death,  and  hell.  I  mentioned  the 
change  in  the  situation  of  the  Pope,  whose 
spiritual  power  is  independent  of  his  temporal 
dominion.  I  congratulated  the  flock  on  Earl 
Bective's  donation  of  chapel  ground,  and  noble 
contribution  towards  the  building. 

„  18.  Kilskyre  (Rev.  Michael  Flood,  P.P.),  80.— Clandes- 
tine marriages  reprobated  ;  backwardness  in  com- 
plying with  the  Easter  duty  noticed  and  blamed ; 
the  revolution  at  Rome  mentioned,  and  the  faith- 
ful guarded  against  unfavourable  impressions. 

„  19.  Kilbride  (Rev.  Peter  Brady,  P.P.),  71.— Compliments 
paid  on  the  improved  state  of  the  chapel;  drunken- 
ness, cursing  and  swearing  inveighed  against. 

„     20.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Murphy's,  Ballinlogh. 

„  21.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Brady's,  Stonefield,  but  returned  each 
of  these  nights  to  the  house  of  the  P.P.  of  Old- 
castle,  Rev.  Bernard  Reilly. 

„  22.  Oldcastle  (Rev.  Bernard  Reilly,  P.P.),  68.— The  dis- 
turbers of  the  peace  of  a  remote  part  of  the 
parish  inveighed  against;  drunkenness  and  profane 
swearing  reprobated ;  remarks  on  the  Pope's  re- 
moval from  Rome. 

„     23.  I  dined  at  Rev.  Bernard  Reilly's. 

„  24.  Loghan  and  Doulane  (Rev.  John  Gorman,  P.P.),  41. 
— Drunkenness,  profane  swearing,  and  stealing 
reprobated. 

„  25.  Kilbeg  (Rev.  George  M'Dermott,  P.P.),  42. — Invec- 
tives against  drunkenness,  especially  against  the 
effects  of  drinking  among  young  persons  of  the 
sex,  loss  of  modesty,  of  reputation,  and  innocence. 

„  26.  Moynalty  (Rev.  Pat.  Carolan,  P.P.,  Rev.  Mr. 
M'Mahon,  Deservitor),  142. — The  effects  of  drink- 
ing to  excess,  especially  amongst  young  persons  of 
the  sex,  reprobated;  profane  swearing  condemned ; 
observations  on  the  Pope's  removal  from  Rome. 


296  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

April  27.  Inniskeen,  at  Muff  (Kev.  James  Birmingham,  P.P.), 
35. — Drunkenness  and  its  effects ;  swearing  and 
iewdness  condemned  ;  compliments  paid  on  the 
repairs  of  the  chapel  of  Muff,  in  which  a  new 
altar  was  erected. 

„  28.  Drumcondra,  at  Ballinavoran  (Eev.  Luke  M'Glew, 
P.P ),  16. — Patrons  and  wakes,  ending  in  rioting 
and  quarrelling,  in  Iewdness,  and  the  corruption 
of  youth,  reprobated.  I  announced  to  the  pastor 
that  I  must  send  him  an  assistant,  Avhom  his  in- 
firmities rendered  absolutely  necessary. 

„  29.  Nobber(Rev.AVilliamM'Kenna,P.P.andVic.-For.),62. 
— Sundays  and  holidays  profaned  by  drunkenness, 
fighting,  and  quarrelling;  practical  inferences 
drawn  from  the  complexion  of  the  times ;  obser- 
vations on  the  Pope's  removal  from  Rome. 

„  30.  Conference  at  Nobber,  on  the  necessity  of  revelation, 
made  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mulligan. — The  sermon,  on 
the  presence  of  God,  preached  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Kavenagh. 

May  1.  Syddan  (Rev.  Henry  Connell,  P.P.),  17.— The  flock 
complimented  on  a  change  for  the  better;  drunken- 
ness of  some  reprobated,  and  thieving  and  steal- 
ing condemned. 

„  2.  Monkuewtown  (Rev.  Lawrence  Chevers,  P.P.),  20. — 
Compliments  on  the  general  good  dispositions  of 
the  flock  ;  drunkenness  in  some  of  both  sexes,  and 
petty  larceny  noticed  and  condemned ;  some  re- 
pairs of  the  chapel  remarked  and  commended. 

„  3.  Slane,  at  Rush  wee  (Rev.  Michael  Hanlon,  P.P.),  40. 
— Drunkenness  and  its  effects  aggravated  by 
happening  on  the  Lord's  Day  ;  compliments  to  the 
flock  in  general  upon  their  amendment,  and  on  an 
increase  of  piety  among  them  ;  remarks  on  the 
removal  of  the  Pope  from  Rome 

„  4.  Castletown-Kilpatrick  (Rev.  Pat.  M'Dermott,  P.P.), 
35. — Compliments  on  the  rising  spirit  of  piety  in 
the  flock  ;  clandestine  marriages  condemned. 

„  5.  Kilberry  (Rev.  John  Fay,  P.P.),  57.— The  flock 
complimented  on  a  rising  spirit  of  piety  among 
many  individuals  ;  habits  of  thieving  and  steal- 
ing among  a  few  condemned. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  297 

May  9.  I  went  to  Dublin  to  attend  the  quarterly  meeting  of 
the  Board  of  Trustees,  at  which  assisted  the  most 
Rev.  Drs.  O'Reilly  of  Armagh,  Troy  of  Dublin, 
the  Right  Rev.  Drs.  Plunket  of  Meath,  Moylan  of 
Cork,  Caufield  of  Wexford,  Cruise  of  Armagh, 
and  French  of  Elphin  ;  also  the  Right  Hon.  the 
Earl  of  Fingall,  Lords  Viscounts  Gormanstown 
and  Kenmare.  On  this  occasion  two  professors  of 
divinity  were  elected,  M.  de  la  Hogue  for  sacred 
Scriptures,  and  Mr.  Kelly  for  moral  theology. 
The  accounts  were  audited,  and  measures 
adopted  to  prevent  the  infection  of  the  college 
by  the  bad  principles  of  the  times. 

„     12.  I  returned  from  the  Board  of  Trustees. 

„  20.  Walterstown  (Rev.  James  Callaghau),  13. — Delay  in 
complying  with  the  Paschal  duty;  dispositions 
necessary  to  prepare  for  the  approaching  festival 
(Pentecost);  precautions  with  respect  to  the 
present  dangerous  times,  when  some  neighbouring 
counties  are  proclaimed. 

„  21.  Skreene  (Rev.  Christopher  Byrne),  16. — Drunken- 
ness ;  preparations  necessary  for  Whitsuntide  ; 
danger  of  the  present  times  to  be  guarded  against. 

„     22.  I  spent  this  day  at  Sydenham. 

„  23.  Blacklion  (Rev.  Thomas  Walsh,  P.P.),  32.— Delay  in 
complying  with  the  Paschal  duty  reprobated  ;  the 
approaching  festival  to  be  prepared  for ;  the 
danger  of  the  present  times  to  be  guarded  against. 

„  24.  Donore,  at  Rusnaree  (Rev.  Walter  Johnson,  P.P.), 
22. — Preparation  necessary  for  the  festival  of 
Pentecost ;  neglect  of  the  Paschal  duty  con- 
demned ;  danger  of  the  present  turbulent  times 
to  be  guarded  against  by  peaceable  behaviour. 

„  26.  This  day  a  battle  was  fought  at  Tara  Hill  between  the 
insurgents  and  the  King's  forces  and  yeomanry. 

„  27.  Drogheda  (Rev.  William  Harford,  P.P.  and  Vic. -For.), 
56. — Reflections  on  the  festival;  on  the  criminal 
insurrections  which  had  broken  out  in  different 
parts  of  the  country  on  the  preceding  days,  con- 
nected with  principles  hostile  to  religion  and  to 
our  reputation  for  loyalty,  in  the  cause  of  which 
Irish  Catholics  had  often  suffered  before  ;  re- 


298  THE  BISHOPS   OF  HEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

preaches  to  those  who  delayed  the  performance  ot 
the  Easter  duty. 

May  28.  Duleek  (Rev.  John  Kearney,  P.P.),  33.— The  spirit 
of  insurrection  and  rebellion  which  prevailed  in 
some  parts  of  the  country  reprobated,  and  some 
of  the  causes  assigned,  viz. : — The  credulity  of 
the  lower  classes,  the  decay  of  Christian  piety, 
and  the  prevalence  of  the  impious  principles  that 
are  disturbing  a  great  part  of  the  Continent. 

„  29.  Conference,  which  broke  up  immediately  on  account  of 
the  times,  after  an  exhortation  to  the  pastors  of 
the  district  to  promote  respect  for  the  laws,  and 
peace,  by  every  exertion  in  their  power. 

„  30.  Stamullin  (Rev.  Pat.  Ennis,  P.P.),  48. — Reflections  on 
the  festival  of  Pentecost,  and  on  the  spirit  of 
insurrection  that  disgraced  some  parts  of  the 
kingdom. 

„  31.  Ardcath  (Rev.  John  Leonard,  P.P.),  77. — Dispositions 
requisite  for  receiving  the  Holy  Ghost  ;  the  folly 
and  guilt  of  the  present  insurrections ;  the 
wickedness  of  clandestine  marriages. 

June  2.  Curraha  (Rev.  Pat.  Keonan).  It  was  the  advice  of  a 
magistrate  that  the  visitation  should  not  be  held 
this  day,  on  account  of  the  rebellion  which  broke 
out  on  the  24th  ult.  in  the  neighbourhood.  I 
appeared  at  the  altar  of  Curraha  and  announced 
this  advice,  and  withdrew,  not  without  deep  con- 
cern. 

„  3.  Eatoath  (Rev.  Pat.  Langan). — No  children  were  pre- 
pared for  confirmation  on  account  of  the  con- 
fusion produced  by  the  insurrection.  I  spoke  to 
the  flock  of  the  homage  of  the  understanding  and 
of  the  heart  with  which  the  most  Blessed  Trinity 
was  to  be  honoured.  I  reprobated  in  the  most 
pointed  terms  the  rebellion  as  contrary  to  the 
doctrine  and  practice  of  Jesus  Christ,  of  St.  Paul, 
of  the  primitive  Christians,  to  the  admired  con- 
duct of  the  Irish  Catholics  of  the  last  century,  as 
supported  on  French  principles,  hostile  to  the 
Catholic  religion. 

„  5.  Donnymore  and  Kilbride  (Rev.  Pat.  Ferrall,  P.P.), 
who  did  not  appear,  nor  give  notice  to  the  flock 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  HEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  299 

of  the  visitation.  Seeing  the  flock  deserted  by 
the  pastor,  I  appointed  Eev.  Mr.  Halligan  adminis- 
trator in  the  interim. 

June  6.  Dunboyne  (Rev.  James  Connell,  P.P.). — Here  I  found 
the  chapel,  the  house  of  the  P.P.,  and  almost  all 
the  houses  in  the  town  (four  or  five  excepted) 
burnt,  in  punishment,  it  is  supposed,  of  the 
treasonable  practices  of  the  people.  Mr.  Connell 
did  not  appear  to  me,  and  I  withdrew  with  grief. 

„  7.  Kilcloon  (Rev.  James  Ferrall,  P.P.),  38. — I  spoke  of 
the  festival  and  of  the  insurrection  as  I  spoke  at 
Ratoath. 

„       8.  Summerhill  (Rev.  John  Cregan,  P.P.),  35. 

„       9.  Moynalvy  (Rev.  Richard  Meighan,  P.P.),  10. 

„     10.  Dunsany  (Rev.  James  Fleming,  P.P.),  7. 

„     11.  I  spent  this  day  with  Mr.  Johnson  of  Warrenstown. 

„     18.  This  day  I  returned  to  Navan,  after  having  finished 

the  first  division  of  the  visitation. 
Aug.  12.  Navan  (Patrick  Joseph  Plunkett,  Bishop  and  P.P.), 

190. 

Oct.  13.  This  afternoon  I  left  Navan,  to  resume  my  long  in- 
terrupted visitation,  and  came  to  Trim. 

„  14.  Sunday— Trim  (Rev.  John  Clarke,  P.P.),  43.— The 
Dedication  of  the  Churches  of  Ireland — the  folly 
and  guilt  of  the  late  rebellion — a  violation  of 
Catholic  principles,  a  departure  from  the  ancient 
and  modern  practice  of  real  Christians. 

„     15.  Kildalky  (Rev.  John  Rickard),  10. 

„     16.  Rathmullian  (Rev.  Laurence  Grehan),  43. 

„  „  On  the  14th  instant  I  wrote  to  Rev.  Pat.  Ferrall,  P.P. 
of  Donnymore  and  Kilbride,  who  had  withdrawn 
from  the  parish  during  the  disturbances,  to  return 
to  his  post  if  unconscious  of  being  concerned  in  the 
late  political  commotion. 

„     17.  Castle-Rickard  (Rev.  Laurence  Shaw,  O.P.),  18. 

„     18.  Kinnegad  (Rev.  Garrett  O'Reilly),  239. 

„  19.  Rathwire  (Rev.  John  Swords),  41. — Neglect  of  the 
Christian  education  of  children. 

„     20.  Turin  (Rev.  Thomas  Stafford),  41.— Same. 

„  21.  Mullingar — Amensal  parish  of  the  Bishop  (Rev. 
Messrs.  Hope,  O.P.,  and  Ganly,  Deservitors),  124 
confirmed. 


300  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Oct.  22.  Dyssart  (Eev.  Owen  Coffy),  47.— Neglect  of  Mass  on 

Sundays  and  holidays. 

„     23.  Castletown-Greoghegan  (Eev.  John  Duffy),  34. 
„     24.  Fertullagh  (Rev.  Bryan  Coffy),  82. 
„     25.  Kilbeggan  (Rev.  Thomas  Dunn),  56. 
„     26.  Killamore  (Rev.  Pat.  Geoghegan),  25. 
„     27.  Eglish  at  Tliomastown  (Rev.  John  Egan,  O.M.),  10. 
„     28.  Frankford  (Rev.  Michael  Kearney,  Vic.-For.),  35. 
„     29.  Rathen  (Rev.  James  Murray),  64. 
„     30.  Clara  (Rev.  James  Daly),  33. 
•„     31.  Kill  and  Kilmonaghan  (Rev.  Pat.  McNamee),  24. 
Nov.    1.  Ballimore,  at  Drumrany  chapel  (Rev.  Daniel  Mulledy, 

Vic.-Gen.),  63. — The  flock  complimented  on  their 

peaceful  conduct,  and  on  the  erection  of  their  new 

chapel. 

2.  Kilkenny  West  (Rev.  Michael  McConnack),  60. 

3.  Moyvour  (Rev.  James  Woods),  39. 

4.  Emper  at  Milltown  (Rev.  John  Wyer),  53. 

5.  Sonna  (Rev.  John  Byrne),  79. 

6.  Multifarnam  (Rev.  Thomas  Moran),  54. 

7.  Mayne  (Rev.  James  Murray),  33. 

8.  Castlepollard  (Rev.  John  Murray),  44. 

9.  Fore,  at  Collinstown  (Rev.  James  Flood),  45. 

10.  Castletown-Delvin  (Rev.  James  Moran),  137. 

11.  Athboy  (Rev.  John  Martin),  20. 

12.  Clonmallon  (Rev.  John  Murray),  46. 

13.  Moimet,  at  Dunderry bridge  (Rev.  Michael  Tipper), 

22. 

14.  Ardbraccan  (Rev.  Michael  Branagan),  64. 

,,  I  returned  home  this  evening,  after  having  finished  the 
most  laborious  visitation  I  made  since  the  com- 
mencement of  my  administration.  I  was  more  or 
less  exposed  during  my  excursion  through  the 
diocese.  The  rebellion  broke  out  last  summer  in 
different  parts  of  the  kingdom.  In  four  different 
parts  of  the  diocese  of  Meath,  the  King's  forces 
engaged  and  defeated  them  at  Tara  Hill,  at  Wilkens- 
town,  at  Kilbeggan,  at  Bunbrosna,  and  Wilson's 
Hospital. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET.  301 


CHAPTER   XXXII. 

Visitation  of  1799. 

Jan.     3.  Mass  for  Doctor  Maguire. 

„  16.  I  assisted  at  the  Board  of  Trustees  for  the  College  of 
St.  Patrick.  The  meetings  were  generally  at  the 
house  of  Lord  Kenmare. 

Feb.     9.  I  granted  leave  for  flesh  meat  on  four  days  of  the 

week  this  Lent,  and  gave  leave  of  the  same  kind 

four  or  five  times  before,  during  the  course  of  my 

administration . 

Mar.  15.  To-day   died    the    Rev.    Pat.   Geoghegan,   P.P.   of 

Tullamore. 

„  20.  This  day  I  nominated  Rev.  James  Murray  P.P.  of 
Tullamore  in  the  room  of  Rev.  Pat.  Geoghegan, 
and  the  same  day  I  appointed  Rev.  John  O'Hara 
P.P.  of  Rathen,  in  the  room  of  Rev.  J.  Murray, 
translated  to  Tullamore. 

„     31.  I  began  my  twentieth  visitation  at  Navan. 
„      „    Navan  (P.  J.  Plunket,  Episcopus  et  Parochus\  201. — 
Neglect  of  the  Sacraments,  and  of  certain  parts  of 
Divine  worship,   complained  of  as  a  prevailing 
fault  among  those  to  whom  Providence  is  most 
liberal. 
April  27.  I  assisted  in  Dublin  at  an  extraordinary  meeting  of 

the  Board  of  College  Trustees. 
May     8.  I  assisted  in  Dublin  at  the  quarterly  meeting  of  the 

Board  of  College  Trustees. 

„  15.  This  day  Messrs.  Richard  Gosson,  of  the  parish  of 
Kells;  Patrick  Carey,  of  Kilbeggan;  Simon  White, 
of  Clara ;  and  Francis  Kelly,  of  Killaghy,  received 
the  tonsure,  the  Four  Minor  Orders,  and  Sub- 
deaconship,  in  the  chapel  of  Navan. 

„  25.  Saturday — This  day  I  left  Navan  to  resume  my  visi- 
tation, and  came  to  Trim. 

„  26.  Trim  (Rev.  John  Clarke,  P.P.),  29.— The  violation  of 
Paschal  duty  a  great  crime,  involving  disobedience 
to  the  authority  of  the  Church,  contempt  of  the 
mercy  of  God,  abuse  to  his  grace,  privation  of  the 
most  indispensable  means  of  preserving  the  spiri- 
tual life  of  the  soul. 


302  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

May  28.  Rathmullian  (Rev.  Laurence  Grehan),  30. — The  spirit 
of  rapine  and  stealing  condemned,  and  the  neglect 
of  parents  with  regard  to  the  education  of  their 
children. 

„  29.  Killyon  (Eev.  L.  Shaw,  O.P.,  Administrator),  40. — 
The  prevailing  spirit  of  robbing  and  stealing  re- 
probated. The  flock  exhorted  to  frequent  worthy 
Communion. 

„  30.  Clonard  (Rev.  Garrett  O'Reilly),  141.— The  flock  com- 
plimented on  their  opposition  to  the  spirit  of 
robbing  and  stealing  which  prevailed  in  the 
vicinity,  and  exhorted  to  fresh  ardour  with  respect 
to  the  Sacraments. 

„     31.  Killucan  (Rev.  John  Swords),  52. — Neglect  of  the 
Sacraments;  thieving,  stealing,  and  drunkenness 
inveighed  against. 
June    1.  Turin  (Rev.  Thomas  Stafford),  11. 

„  2.  Mullingar  (P.  J.  Plunket,  Bishop  and  P.P.;  Rev. 
Messrs.  Hope  and  Ganly,  curates),  94  confirmed. 

„       3.  Conference  of  the  district. 

„       4.  Dysart  (Rev.  Owen  Coffy,  P.P.),  28. 

5.  Fertullagh  (Rev.  Bernard  Coffy,  O.P.,  P.P.),  49.— 
Patience  recommended  and  resignation  to  the  will 
of  God.  Some  blamed  for  not  profiting  by  the 
Sacraments. 

„       7.  Castletown-Geoghegan  (Rev.  John  Duffy). 

„       8.  Kilbeggan  (Rev.  Thomas  Dunn),  32. 

•„       9.  Tullamore  (Rev.  James  Murray),  68. 

„     10.  Frankford  (Rev.  Michael  Kearney),  40. 

„  11.  Conference  on  "The  Eucharist,"  made  by  Rev.  Mr. 
0;Hara  ;  the  sermon  by  Rev.  Mr.  Murray. 

„  12.  Eglish  (Rev.  John  Egan,  O.M.),  36. — A  propensity  to 
fighting  and  quarrelling  reprobated. 

„     13.  This  day  I  spent  at  Thomastown. 

„     14.  This  day  I  spent  at  Themora. 

„  15.  Rathen  (Rev.  John  O'Hara,  P.P.),  66.— Compliments 
to  the  Society  of  the  Christian  Doctrine ;  quarrel- 
ling, pilfering,  and  stealing  reprobated. 

„  16.  Clara  (Rev.  James  Daly,  P.P.),  156. — Compliments  to 
the  young  persons  of  both  sexes  who  sing  during 
Divine  Service  and  teach  the  Christian  Doctrine. 

„     18.  Killmonaghan  (Rev.  Pat.  McNamee),  58. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  303 

June  19.  I  spent  this  day  at  Rosemount. 
„     20.  Conference  at  Ballimore. 

„  21.  Kilkenny,  West  (Rev.  Michael  M'Cormack,  P.P.),  32. 
— Reproaches  to  those  who  neglected  the  Paschal 
Communion,  and  to  the  parents  who  neglect  the 
Christian  education  of  their  children. 

„  23.  Dmmrany  (Rev.  Daniel  Mulledy,  V.G-.  and  P.P.), 
218. — Reproaches  to  those  who  come  late  to  Mass, 
and  to  the  parents  whose  children  do  not  go  to 
confession  at  the  proper  time. 

„     24.  Moyvour   (Rev.   James   Woods),    68. — St.    John,    a 
pattern  of  virtue  by  his  flight  from  the  world,  and 
constancy  in  adhering  to  the  Divine  law  j  thieving 
and  pilfering  reprobated. 
„     25.  Emper  (Rev.  John  Wyer),  57. 
„     26.  Sonna  (Rev.  John  Byrne),  55. 
„     27.  I  spent  this  day  at  Mullingar,  where  General  Barnett 

and  aide-de-camp  dined  at  the  chapel  lodge. 
„     28.  Multifarnam  (Rev.  Thomas  Moran,  O.M.  and  P.P.), 
55. — Neglect  of  the  Paschal  Communion  repro- 
bated.    Here  Lord  Granard  and  son,  and  General 
Barnett  dined  with  the  clergy. 

„     29.  Mayne  (Rev.  James  Murray,  P.P.). — Thoughts  on  the 
festival  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul)  ;  neglect  of  Paschal 
Communion ;  lewdness  reprobated. 
„     30.  Castlepollard  (Rev.  John  Murray)  140.— The  festival 

of  St.  Peter  considered. 

July    1.  This  day  I  dined  with  Mr.  Taylor  at  Carlanstown. 
„       2.  Fore  (Rev.  James  Flood),  62. 
„       3.  Castletown-Delvin  (Rev.  James  Moran),  71. 
„       4.  Clonmallon  (Rev.  John  Murray),  103. 
„       5.  Kilskeer  (Rev.    Michael    Flood),    72. — Neglect    of 
Paschal  duty ;  clandestine  marriages  and  drunken- 
ness reprobated. 
„    This  day  died  Rev.  Pat.  Fanning,  Ex-parochusQi  Mayne. 

6.  I  spent  this  day  at  Milltown. 

7.  Oldcastle  (Rev.  Bernard  Reilly),  99. 

8.  This  day  I  spent  at  Stonefield. 

9.  Killeigh  (Rev.  Peter  Brady),  139. 
„    I  returned  this  night  to  Stonefield. 

10.  Loghan  (Rev.  John  Gorman),  49. — Reflections  on  the 
helpless  state  of  the  pastor,  whom  infirmity  did 


304  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

not  permit  to  assist ;  on  the  robbery  of  the  mail, 
and  on  thieving  and  stealing ;  on  the  tottering 
condition  of  the  chapel.  I  appointed  Eev.  F. 
Grehan,  O.M.,  Deservitor  ad  interim. 

July  11.  Moynalty  (Rev.  Pat.  Carolan,  P.P.  ;  Rev.  Mr. 
M'Mahon,  Deservitor),  156. — Drunkenness,  curs- 
ing, and  swearing  condemned. 

„     12.  Killbeg  (Rev.  George  M'Dermott),  42. 

„  14.  Kells  (Rev.  Peter  O'Reilly),  138.— Neglect  of  the 
Sacraments  and  of  the  Christian  education  of 
children  exposed ;  the  enormity  of  the  habit  of 
thieving  and  injustice ;  compliments  to  the  flock 
on  the  peace  and  tranquillity  of  the  country,  and 
on  the  beautiful  Catholic  church  they  are  raising 
to  the  honour  and  glory  of  Almighty  God. 

„  15.  Conference  on  the  difficult  cases  that  occurred.  The 
sermon,  on  "  unworthy  Communion,"  preached  by 
Rev.  Mr.  Drake. 

„  16.  Oristown  (Rev.  John  Fay),  101. — Compliments  on  the 
new  chapel  and  on  the  tranquillity  of  the  country  ; 
neglect  of  the  Sacraments  ;  pilfering  and  thieving; 
neglect  of  the  Christian  education  of  children 
animadverted  on. 

„  18.  Ardbraccan  (Rev.  Michael  Branagan),  124. — Clandes- 
tine marriages,  &c.,  reprobated. 

„     19.  I  spent  this  day  at  Courtown. 

j,     20.  I  came  this  day  to  Athboy. 

„  21.  Athboy  (Rev.  John  Martin),  36. — Sacraments  not 
frequented ;  drunkenness,  thieving,  and  stealing 
reprobated. 

„  22.  Kildalkey  (Rev.  Mr.  Rickard),  41.— Neglect  of  Sacra- 
ments ;  cursing  and  swearing  ;  thieving  and  steal- 
ing condemned. 

„     23.  I  spent  this  day  at  Clown. 

„  24.  Moimet  and  ClonmadufF  (Rev.  Michael  Tipper,  O.M., 
P.P.),  44. — The  custom  of  standing  outside  the 
chapel  until  the  moment  Mass  begins,  without 
any  thought  of  preparing  to  assist  at  the  adorable 
Sacrifice  of  the  Altar,  reprobated. 

„  25.  This  day,  at  the  request  of  the  pastor,  I  went  to  Ath- 
boy, to  assist  at  the  celebration  of  the  patron  day 
(St.  James's).  I  said  Mass  in  the  parochial  chapel 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  305 

and  exhorted  the  flock.  In  the  evening  I  returned 
to  Navan,  having  been  absent  two  months,  and 
visited  forty  parishes. 
Aug.  11.  This  day  a  second  confirmation  took  place,  and  38 

were  confirmed  at  Navau. 

„  24.  This  day  died  Rev.  Luke  M'Glew,  P.P.  of  Drum- 
condra. 

Visitation  resumed — 

„  25.  Nobber  (Rev.  William  M'Kenna,  Archdeacon  and  Vic.- 
For.),  102. — Some  drunkards  and  rioters  animad- 
verted upon ;  compliments  on  the  general  peace  of 
the  parish,  and  on  the  zeal  with  which  the  Cate- 
chism is  taught,  and  the  exterior  worship  im- 
proved by  the  singing  of  the  children. 

„  „  Rev.  Philip  Mulligan  appointed  P.P.  of  Drumcondra, 
in  the  room  of  the  Rev.  Luke  M'Glew,  deceased. 
On  the  26th  I  appointed  Rev.  Mr.  Halligan,  O.P., 
curate  to  the  Rev.  Michael  Hanlon,  P.P.  of  Slane. 

„  26.  Conference  of  the  district  yielded  to  the  funeral  office 
and  interment  of  Rev.  Mr.  M'Glew. 

„  27.  Castletown-Kilpatrick  (Rev.  Pat.  M'Dermott),  90.— 
The  drunkards  and  swearers  of  the  parish  called 
upon,  by  a  sincere  conversion,  to  appease  the  anger 
of  heaven — manifested  by  an  uncommon  con- 
tinuation of  bad  weather. 

„     28.  This  day  and  preceding  nights  I  spent  at  Rahood. 

„  29.  Inniskeen  (Rev.  James  Birmingham),  84. — Compli- 
ments on  the  peaceful  state  of  the  parish ;  the 
drunkards  and  pilferers  of  the  parish  inveighed 
against. 

„  „  On  the  27th  and  29th,  during  public  duty,  and  the 
greater  part  of  each  day,  I  felt  myself  greatly  af- 
fected by  a  dizziness  in  my  head,  and  was  fre- 
quently, while  I  spoke,  afraid  of  falling  down. 

„  29.  I  was  favoured  with  a  visit  from  the  Right  Rev.  Dr. 
Hugh  O'Reilly,  Bishop  of  Clogher,  at  Mr.  Bir- 
mingham's, where  I  remained  until  Saturday,  1st 
of  September. 

Sept.  1.  Drumcondra  (Rev.  Philip  Mulligan,  P.P.),  55. — • 
Drunkenness,  pilfering,  cursing,  and  swearing  re- 
probated. 

X 


306  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Sept.    2.  Syddan  (Rev.   Henry  Connell),   70. — Paschal  duty 
neglected. 

„  3.  Grangegeeth  (Rev.  Laurence  Chevers),  44.— Drunken- 
ness reproached  to  the  tradesmen  who  go  to  the 
market  of  Drogheda. 

„  4.  Rathkenny  (Rev.  Michael  Hanlon),  75. — Compli- 
ments on  the  general  state  of  the  parish;  re- 
proaches to  the  drunkards ;  congratulations  on  the 
male  and  female  schools,  established  and  supported 
by  Baron  Hussey  and  his  lady. 

„  6.  This  day  I  returned  to  Navan  after  having  visited 
seven  parishes. 

„     17.  This  day  Miss  Helen  Aylmer  was  confirmed  at  Navan. 

„     21.  This  day  I  left  Navan  to  resume  my  visitation. 

„     22.  Skreene  (Rev.  Christopher  Byrne,  P.P.),   17.— The 
pilferers,  drunkards,  and  swearers  admonished  of 
their  iniquity. 
,  „     23.  I  spent  this  day  at  Sydenham. 

„     24.  Dunsany  (Rev.  James  Fleming),  42. 

„  25.  Dunshaughlin  (Rev.  Thomas  Fagan),  29. — The  pilfer- 
ing and  robberies  which  had  disgraced  the  neigh- 
bourhood some  time  before  reprobated. 

„  26.  Conference  on  "Laws,"  by  the  Rev.  John  Hernon, 
curate  of  Kilcloon. — The  sermon  preached  by 
the  Rev.  James  Ferrall,  P.P.  of  Kilcloon. 

„  27.  Galtrim  (Rev.  Richard  Meighan,  P.P.),  22. — The  enor- 
mity of  the  habit  of  pilfering  and  robbing  repre- 
sented, with  cautions  to  parents  to  prevent  the  wicked 
custom  of  lying  and  falsehood  in  their  children. 

„  29.  Summerhill  (Rev.  John  Cregan),  27.— On  St.  Michael 
and  the  angels ;  the  drunkards  of  the  parish  ex- 
cited to  have  mercy  on  their  souls: 

„     30.  Anniversary  of  my  first  Mass,  in  1764. 

„      „     Conference  at  Kill,  the  residence  of  Rev.  Laurence 
Grehan,  P.P.  of  Rathmullian.— The  subject,  "De 
Matrimonio,"  discussed  by  the  Rev.  F.  Hitchcock, 
O.P. ;  Rev.  John  Clarke,  P.P.  of  Trim,  appointed 
Vic.-Foraneus  of  the  district  of  Rathmullian. 
Oct.      1.  Kilcloon  (Rev.  James  Ferrall),  31. 
-  •„       2.  Dunboyne  (Rev.  James  Connell),  18. — The  visitation 
was  held  in  a  barn  belonging  to  the  pastor,  the 
chapel  having  been  burned  by  the  military  during 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  307 

the  rebellion  last  year — as  also  a  great  part  of  the 
town.  This  calamity,  and  the  festival  of  the  guar- 
dian angels,  furnished  the  subjects  of  instruction. 
Oct.     3.  Donnymore  (Eev.  Pat.  Ferrall),  7. 

„       4.  Ratoath  (Rev.  Pat.  Langan),  53. 

„       5.  I  spent  this  day  at  Mr.  Fagan's,  of  Ratoath. 

„       6.  Curraha  (Rev.  Pat.  Keonan),  34. 

„  7.  Ardcath,atClonaboy(Rev.  JohnLeonard),59 — Neglect 
of  the  Paschal  duty  and  quarrelling  condemned. 

„       9.  Stamullen  (Rev.  Pat.  Ennis),  28. 

„       „    I  slept  these  nights  at  Harbourstown. 

„  10.  This  day  I  dined  at  Sarsfieldstown,  and  baptized 
the  daughter  of  Mrs.  Markey.  I  returned  to 
Harbourstown. 

„  11.  I  came  to  Drogheda,  to  the  lodgings  of  Rev.  Mr. 
Harford,  with  whom  I  dined,  in  company  with 
the  Most  Rev.  Dr.  O'Reilly. 

„     12.  This  day  I  dined  with  the  Primate. 

„  13.  Drogheda  (Rev.  William  Harford,  Vic.-For.),  108.— 
The  flock  exhorted  to  imitate  the  piety  of  the 
ancient  Catholics  of  Ireland,  of  whom  the  festival 
of  the  day  (Dedication  of  the  Churches  of  Ireland) 
puts  them  in  mind. 

,,  15.  Donore  (Rev.  Walter  Johnston),  31. — The  drunkards 
and  swearers  of  the  parish  condemned;  compli- 
ments on  the  improvement  of  the  altar. 

„  16.  Duleek  (Rev.  John  Kearny),  61. — The  flock  compli- 
mented on  the  general  spirit  of  piety  which  pre- 
vailed, and  manifested  in  the  decency  of  external 
worship,  in  the  singing  of  the  divine  praises,  in 
the  surplices  worn  by  the  children,  &c. ;  the 
drunkards  and  swearers  exposed,  and  those  who 
neglected  the  Paschal  duty. 

„     20.  Blacklion  (Rev.  Thomas  Walsh),  41. 

„  21.  Walterstown  (Rev.  James  Callaghan),  10. — Tem- 
•poral  calamities  sometimes  the  punishment  of  sin, 
and  to  be  averted  by  humiliation  under  the 
powerful  hand  of  God,  by  penance  and  fervent 
recourse  to  the  mercy  of  the  Most  High.  This 
evening  I  returned  to  Navan,  after  having  finished 
my  twentieth  visitation  of  the  diocese  of  Meath. 

„     26th,  29th,  30th,  31st.  I  celebrated  Mass  for  Pope  Pius  VI 


308  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

Visitation  of  1800. 

Jan.  5.  This  day  I  spoke  in  favour  of  the  poor  of  the  parish 
M  first  and  last  Mass,  and  upwards  of  £30 
sterling  were  collected  on  the  occasion.  Mrs. 
Hussey  and  Mrs.  Grainger,  accompanied  by  Baron 
Hussey  and  Mr.  Grainger,  assisted  in  making  the 
collection. 

„  15.  This  day  I  attended  at  the  Board  of  College  Trustees, 
at  which  assisted  the  four  Archbishops,  the  Most 
Rev.  Drs.  O'Reilly,  Troy,  Bray,  and  Dillon, 
also  the  Right  Rev.  Drs.  Plunket,  Moylan, 
Caulfield,  and  Cruise,  with  Lords  Fingall,  Gor- 
manstown,  and  Mr.  Strange.  The  accounts  were 
examined.  The  Lord  Chancellor  was  waited 
upon,  who  expressed  friendly  dispositions  towards 
the  College  of  St.  Patrick.  Drs.  Bray  of  Cashell, 
Dillon  of  Tuam,  Plunket  of  Meath,  and  the  Earl 
of  Fingall,  went  as  a  deputation  from  the  board 
to  visit  the  College  of  Maynooth,  and  returned  the 
same  day. 

„  23.  This  day  I  returned  from  attendance  on  the  Board  of 
College  Trustees. 

Feb.  17.  Mass  for  Rev.  Pat.  Shortall. 

May  14.  This  day  I  accompanied  Lord  Fingall  to  the  quarterly 
meeting  of  the  Board  of  College  Trustees.  This 
meeting  was  attended  by  the  Archbishops  of 
Armagh  and  Dublin,  Dr.  Plunket  of  Meath, 
Lords  Fingall  and  Gormanstown,  Sir  Edward 
Bellew,  and  Mr.  Strange. 
„  17.  This  day  I  jeturned  to  Navan, 

June  1.  I  began  my  twenty-first  visitation  at  Navan. 
„  „  Navan,  173  confirmed. — The  exhortation  was  princi- 
pally directed  to  that  class  of  the  flock  who, 
being  most  favoured  by  Divine  Providence,  were 
most  ungrateful,  and  most  backward  and  deficient 
in  all  the  great  duties  of  religion.  The  scarcity 
of  provisions  alluded  to  as  an  instance  of  the 
anger  of  heaven. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  309 

June  7.  Hodie  obiti  Rev.  Thomas  Ganly,  Vicarius  de  Molingare. 
This  week  an  ordination  was  held  in  the  College 
of  Maynooth. 

„  8.  Kells  (Rev.  Peter  O'Reilly,  P.P.),  37.— On  the 
mystery  of  the  Trinity ;  the  Three  Adorable  Per- 
sons to  be  honoured  by  the  homage  of  the  under- 
standing and  of  the  heart ;  a  homage  not  paid 
by  the  nominal  Catholics,  who  dishonour  our  holy 
religion  by  their  neglect  of  the  great  duties  of 
religion.  Compliments  on  the  second  subscrip- 
tion in  favour  of  the  new  chapel. 

„  9.  I  officiated  on  St.  Columbkille's  day,  the  feast  of  the 
parish,  and  held  up  the  example  of  the  saint  to 
the  imitation  of  the  flock. 

„  10.  Conference  of  Kells,  on  the  cases  that  occurred  during 
the  Lent  and  Easter  time.  Rev.  Mr.  Drake 
preached  "  on  the  advantage  of  suffering." 

„  11.  Ardbraccan,  at  Cortown  (Rev.  Michael  Branagan), 
44. — Neglect  of  the  annual  confession  and  Paschal 
Communion  on  the  part  of  a  few;  the  flock 
complimented  on  their  handsome  new  chapel ; 
gratitude  expressed  to  the  Protestant  gentlemen 
who  subscribed  to  the  work,  and  particularly  to 
Mr.  Halpin,  a  Catholic,  who  gave  an  acre  of 
ground  rent  free,  and  £10. 

„  12.  Trim  (Rev.  John  Clarke,  P.P.  and  Vic.-For.),  27.-— 
On  the  mystery  of  the  day  (Corpus  Christi),  the 
doctrine  and  practice ;  the  gracious  design  and 
purpose  of  Jesus  Christ,  in  the  institution  of  the 
Sacrament,  frustrated  by  the  degenerate  and  un- 
dutiful  Catholics  who  do  not  comply  with  the 
Paschal  Communion.  I  sent  Rev.  John  Ferrall 
to  Mullingar. 

„  14.  I  spent  this  day  at  Boyne  Lodge  with  Mr.  Barth. 
Barnwall. 

„  15.  Kildalkey  (Rev.  John  Rickard),  46. — Swearing  and 
stealing  reprobated ;  the  Gospel  of  the  day ; 
compliments  on  the  establishment  of  the  Society 
of  the  Christian  Doctrine.  I  sent  Rev.  Mr. 
Dunne  to  Castlepollard. 

„     16.  I  spent  this  day  at  Clown. 

„     17.  Rathmullian  (Rev.  Laurence  Grehan,  P.P.),  57. — 


310  THE  BISHOPS   OF  MEATH — DK.   PLUNKET. 

Thieving  and  stealing  condemned,  as  also  the 
neglect  of  the  Easter  duty ;  compliments  on  the 
improvements  in  the  chapel.  On  this  day  died 
Eev.  Mr.  Fleming,  O.P. 

June  18.  Conference  held  at  Donore  (Rev.  Mr.  Dempsy  de- 
fended).— The  sermon  preached  by  Eev.  Mr. 
Eyan,  O.M. 

„  19.  Balliver  (Eev.  Laurence  Shaw,  O.P.,  Administrator), 
47. — Swearing  and  stealing  reprobated  ;  the  infi- 
nite charity  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  displayed  in 
the  Eucharist,  and  contrasted  with  the  ingratitude 
of  those  who  do  not  comply  with  the  Paschal 
duty. 

„  22.  Clonard,  at  Kinnegad (Eev.  Garrett  O'Eeilly,  P.P.),  1 20. 
— The  neglect  of  the  Paschal  duty  represented  as  a 
criminal  opposition  to  the  gracious  purposes  for 
which  Jesus  Christ  instituted  the  adorable  Sacra- 
ment of  the  Eucharist,  as  a  practical  apostacy  from 
the  Catholic  faith,  and  as  a  kind  of  conspiracy  sug- 
gested by  the  devil  against  the  salvation  of  souls ; 
the  Society  of  the  Christian  Doctrine  compli- 
mented, and  all  those  ignorant  persons  reproached 
who  do  not  profit  by  the  charity  with  which  the 
members  of  the  Society  teach  the  Christian 
Doctrine. 

„  24.  Killucan  (Rev.  Mr.  Swords,  P.P.),  34.— Neglect  of 
the  Paschal  duty  particularly  criminal  on  the 
part  of  heads  of  families,  and  of  those  whom  God 
has  blessed  with  affluence ;  the  prevailing  spirit  of 
robbing  and  stealing  inveighed  against. 

„  25.  Fertullagh,  at  Milltown  (Eev.  Bryan  CofFy,  O.P.  and 
P.P.),  39. — Neglect  of  the  Paschal  duty  the  cause 
of  the  repeated  acts  of  robbery  and  thieving 
which  had  disgraced  some  parts  of  the  parish. 

„  „  I  celebrated  Mass  this  day  for  the  Eight  Eev.  Dr. 
Eeilly,  Bishop  of  Kilmore. 

„     26.  I  spent  this  day  at  Mr.  Shell's  cottage. 

„  27.  Castletown-Geoghegan,  at  Eahinmore  (Eev.  John 
Duffy,  P.P.),  53.— Neglect  of  the  Paschal  duty ; 
Sundays  and  holidays  ill  observed. 

„  28.  Dyssart  (Rev.  Owen  CofFy,  P.P.),  26.— Neglect  of  the 
Paschal  duty  represented  as  a  grievous  sin,  in 


THE  BISHOPS   OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET.  311 

general  inexcusable,  and  supposing  great  de- 
generacy and  corruption  of  hearts.  I  slept  at 
Eedmondstown. 

June  29.  Kilbeggan  (Eev.  Thomas  Dunn),  54. — The  guilt  of  the 
neglect  of  the  Paschal  duty  described — aggravated 
by  the  circumstances  of  the  times  ;  festival  of  the 
day. 

„  30.  Tullamore  (Eev.  James  Murray,  P.P.)  98.— The  guilt 
of  neglecting  the  Paschal  duty ;  charity  to  the 
poor. 

July  1.  Conference  at  Frankford,  by  Eev.  James  Murray; 
the  sermon  by  Eev.  Henry  Dowling. 

„  2.  Frankford  (Eev.  Michael  Kearney,  Vic. -For.),  102. — 
The  guilt  of  neglecting  the  Paschal  Communion  ; 
charity  to  the  poor  in  these  times  of  general 
scarcity  recommended  as  a  powerful  means  of 
averting  the  anger  of  God. 

„  3.  Eglish  (Eev.  John  Egan,  O.M.),  29.— The  guilt  and 
consequences  of  thieving  and  stealing ;  the  anger 
of  heaven  manifested  in  the  scarcity  of  the 
necessaries  of  life. 

„  4.  I  dined  this  day  at  Mr.  Francis  Bennett's,  Thomas- 
town,  and  came  in  the  evening  to  Frankford. 

„       5.  Eathen  (Eev.  John  O'Hara),  40. 

„  6.  Clara  (Eev.  James  Daly),  204. — The  festival  of  St. 
Peter ;  the  primacy  of  the  Pope ;  the  guilt  of 
thieving  and  stealing. 

„  7.  KillandKilmonaghan,atTubber(Eev.Pat.M<Namee), 
41. 

„  8.  Ballimore,  at  Drumrany  (Eev.  Daniel  Mulledy,  Vic.- 
Gen.),  73. 

„       9.  Kilkenny,  West  (Eev.  Michael  M'Cormack). 

„  10.  Conference  at  Ballimore,  made  by  Eev.  Mr.  Wyej, 
Junior,  de  pvenitentia. — The  sermon  on  alms-deeds, 
preached  by  Eev.  Mr.  M'Dermott,  curate  at 
Castletown-Geoghegan. 

„  11.  Moyvour  (Eev.  James  Woods),  73. — The  guilt  of 
thieving  and  stealing,  and  of  neglecting  the 
Paschal  Communion,  aggravated  by  the  circum- 
stances of  the  times.  This  evening  I  came  to 
Mount  Dalton. 

„     12..  Eniper,  at  Milltown  (Eev.  John  Wyer),  43. 


312  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Ju7y  13.  Mullingar,  a  mensal  parish  of  the  bishop  (Revs. 
James  Hope,  O.P.,  and  John  Ferrall,  curates),  76. 
The  enormity  of  habitual  pilfering  and  stealing, 
and  of  neglecting  the  Paschal  duty ;  the  general 
distress  an  instance  of  the  anger  of  heaven. 
„  14.  Office  and  High  Mass  at  Mullingar  for  the  repose  of 

the  soul  of  Eev.  Thomas  Ganley,  late  C.C. 
„     15.  This  day  I  dined  with  Brigadier-General  Barnett. 
„     16.  Sonna  (Rev.  John  Byrne),  68. — The  duties  of  religion 
neglected  by  some  through  indolence;  the  flock 
complimented  on  their  charity  to  the  poor,  and 
exhorted    to   avert  the   anger  of    God  by  that 
charity  and  a  sincere  conversion. 
„     17.  Multifarnam  (Rev.  Thomas  Moran,  O.M.),  45. 
„     18.  This  day  I  spent  at  Multifarnam. 
„     19.  Taghmon  (Rev.  Thomas  Stafford),  77.— Neglect  of  the 
Christian    education    of    children,    and    of    the 
exercise  of  charity,  on  the  part  of  some,  in  these 
times  of  distress. 

„     20.  Castlepollard  (Rev.  John  Murray),  117. 
„     21.  Mayne  (Rev.  James  Murray),  30. — Indignation  ex- 
pressed against  three  attempts  to  rob  the  Parish 
Priest  in  his  own  house  ;  the  guilt  of  those  who 
countenance  scandal  and  encourage  vice. 
„     22.  This  day  I  went  to  dine  at  Mr.  Campbell's,  New- 
castle. 

„„  23.  Killeigh  and  Kilbride,  at  Balnacree  (Rev.  Peter 
Brady),  109. — Pilfering  and  thieving  an  unprofit- 
able habit,  ruinous  to  soul  and  body.  The  pre- 
vailing spirit  of  charity  recommended ;  the  unfeel- 
ing disposition  of  some  farmers  in  this  time  of 
distress  reprobated. 

„     24.  Oldcastle  (Rev.  Bernard  Reilly),  82. — Cautions  to  the 
Catholics  of  the  town  against  the  external  and 
internal  enemies  of  the  faith,  occasioned  by  the 
hostility  of  certain  Methodist  preachers,  and  by 
nominal   Catholics.      Allusions  to  this  time   of 
general  scarcity  and  distress. 
„     25.  This  day  I  dined  at  Stonefield. 
„     26.  This  day  I  dined  at  Stonefield,  and  in  the  evening 

went  to  Rev.  Mr.  Flood's,  Collinstown. 
„     27.  Fore,  at  Collinstown  (Rev.  James  Flood),  59. — The 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  313 

guilt   of  neglecting  the   Christian   education  of 
children  ;  of  thieving  and  stealing,  aggravated  by 
the  circumstances  of  the  times ;  compliments  on 
the  prevailing  spirit  of  charity  and  benevolence. 
July  28.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Scully's,  of  Gillerstown. 

„     29.  Castletown-Delvin  (Rev.  James  Moran),  86. 

„     30.  Killallon,  at  Clonmallon  (Rev.  John  Murray),  76. 

„     31.  Kilskeer  (Rev.  Michael  Flood),  51. 
Aug.    1.  This  day  I  spent  at  Milltown,  at  Mr.  John  Kearney's. 

„  3.  Athboy  (Rev.  John  Martin),  49. — The  various  de- 
scriptions of  scandalous  sinners  in  the  parish 
arraigned  and  condemned ;  the  thieves  and  pil- 
ferers ;  the  profane  swearers ;  the  unchristian 
fathers  and  mothers,  who  neglect  the  education  of 
their  children  ;  the  degenerate  nominal  Catholics 
who  neither  confess  nor  receive  once  in  the  year. 

„       4.  This  day  I  dined  at  Mr.  George  Dowdall's,  Causestown. 

„  5.  Moimet,  at  Dunderrybridge  (Rev.  Michael  Tipper, 
O.M.),  27 — Habit  of  pilfering  and  stealing  un 
profitable,  dangerous  to  body  and  soul,  inexcusable; 
mercy  to  the  poor  most  commendable  in  these 
calamitous  times  will  not  do,  unless  accompanied 
with  the  observance  of  God's  Commandments. 

„  6.  I  spent  this  day  at  Mr.  Christopher  Barnwell's, 
Meadstown. 

„       7.  I  returned  to  Navan,  having  been  absent  two  months. 
Sept.    1 .  I  spent  this  day  at  Mr.  John  Johnston's,  Warrens- 
town. 

„  2.  Conference  at  Dunshaughiin,  made  by  Rev.  James 
Connell,  on  the  infallibility  of  the  Church.  No 
sermon,  on  account  of  the  sickness  of  Rev.  James 
Ferrall. 

„       3.  Dunsany  (Rev.  James  Fleming),  31. 

„       4.  Moynalvy  (Rev.  Richard  Meighan),  27. 

„  7.  Summerhill  (Rev.  John  Cregan),  35. — Thieving  and 
stealing  and  neglect  of  the  Paschal  Communion 
reprobated;  compliments  on  the  charitable  dis- 
position of  the  flock  during  the  late  distress. 

„  8.  Conference  at  Rathmullian,  made  by  Rev.  Mr.  Hart. 
The  sermon  preached  by  Rev.  Mr.  Shaw,  O.P.,  on 
concealing  sins  in  confession. 

„       „    This  day  I  withdrew  the  administration  of  the  union 


314  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DB.   PLUNKET. 

of  Balliver,  Killion,  Castlerickard,  &c.,  from  Rev. 
Laurence  Shaw,  O.P.,  and  conferred  for  a  limited 
time  on  Rev.  Fr.  Hitchcock. 

Sept.   9.  Kilcloon  (Rev.  James  Ferrall),  38. — Reproaches  to 
the  parents  who  neglected  the  Christian  education 
of  their  children  ;  compliments  on  the  charitable 
disposition  of  the  flock. 
„     10.  Dunboyne  (Rev.  James  Connell),  18. 
„     11.  I  went  to  pay  a  visit  to  the  College  of  St.  Patrick, 

and  returned  to  Dunboyne. 
„     12.  Donnymoor  (Rev.  Pat.  Ferrall),  4. 
„     13.  Curragha  (Rev.  Pat.  Keonan),  32. 
„      „    This  night  I  came  to  Mr.  Thunder's,  of  Lagore. 
„     14.  Ratoath  (Rev.  Pat.  Langan),  54. — Severe  strictures  on 
the  neglect  of  annual  confession  and  Communion  ; 
of  the  Christian  education  of  children;  and  on  the 
spirit  of  thieving  and  robbing  prevalent  at  different 
times  in  the  parish. 
„     15.  I  spent  this  day  at  Lagore. 

,,  16.  Ardcath  (Rev.  John  Leonard),  55. — The  guilt  of 
neglecting  the  Paschal  Communion ;  of  robbery 
and  theft;  of  cursing  and  swearing;  the  wretched 
state  of  the  chapel  noticed ;  compliments  on  the 
charitable  disposition  of  the  flock. 

„  18.  Duleek  (Rev.  John  Kearney),  40. — The  neglect  of 
parents  with  respect  to  the  early  education  of 
their  children  condemned ;  compliments  on  the 
charitable  disposition  of  the  flock  in  the  late  hard 
times. 

„  20.  Stamullen  (Rev.  Pat.  Ennis),  43. — The  enormity  of 
the  sin  of  profane  swearing  described,  and  the 
pretexts  used  to  defend  it  refuted. 

„  21.  Drogheda  (Rev.  William  Harford,  Vic.-For.  and  P.P., 
absent  for  a  month  in  England  with  leave. — Rev. 
Michael  Calan,  curate,  acted  in  his  room),  79  con- 
firmed.— Invectives  against  the  neglect  of  the 
Paschal  duty,  and  against  thieving  and  stealing. 
„  23.  Conference  of  Duleek,  made  by  Rev.  Mr.  Calan,  "  de 
casibus  reservatis"  This  day  I  gave  an  exeat  to 
Rev.  N.  Boylan,  at  his  own  request. 

„  24.  Donore  (Rev.  Walter  Johnson),  23. — The  Easter  duty 
neglected ;  the  guilt  of  drunkenness. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DE.  PLUNKET.  315 

Sept.  25.  Monknewtown (Rev.Laurence Chevers),  19. — Different 
descriptions  of  the  flock  accused  of  robbery,  at- 
tempts at  assassination,  profaneness  and  immo- 
rality, perjury,  pilfering  and  stealing,  and  of  the 
neglect  of  the  Christian  education  of  the  children. 

„      „    I  returned  this  evening  to  Navan. 
Oct.     6.  I  resumed  the  visitation. 

„  „  Dulane  and  Loghan,  at  Mullaghe  (Rev.  John  Gorman, 
P.P.,  Rev.  Thad.  Grehan,  O.M.,  Deservitor),  36. 

„  7.  Conference  at  Kells. — The  sermon  on  delay  of  repent- 
ance, made  by  Rev.  Mr.  O'Leary. 

„  8.  Moynalty  (Rev.  Pat.  Carolan,  P.P.,  Rev.  Peter 
M'Mahon,  Deservitor),  69. 

„       9.  Kilbeg  (Rev.  George  M'Dermott),  49. 

„  10.  Castletown-Kilpatrick  (Rev.  Pat.  M'Dermott),  18. — 
I  returned  to  Navan  in  the  afternoon. 

„  12.  Nobber  (Rev.  William  M'Kenna,  Vic.-For.),  137.— 
Profane  cursing  and  swearing  and  drunkenness 
reprobated ;  the  shattered  state  of  the  roof  of  the 
chapel  complained  of ;  the  late  rebellion  and 
scarcity  of  this  season  considered  as  scourges  of 
the  Divine  anger.  This  evening  I  went  to  Rahood. 

„  13.  Conference  of  Nobber,  made  by  Rev.  Mr.  Mulligan — The 
sermon  on  rash  judgments  by  Rev.  Mr.  Keogan. 

„     14.  Enniskeen,  at  Muff  (Rev.  James  Birmingham),  100. 

„  15.  Drumcondra,  at  Ballinavoran  (Rev.  Philip  Mulligan, 
P.P.),  99. — Scandalous  neglect  of  a  great  many 
with  respect  to  confession  and  Communion. 

„  16.  Sidden  (Rev.  Henry  Connell),  26.— The  guilt  of 
neglecting  the  Paschal  duty  particularly  heinous 
on  the  part  of  those  whom  God  has  blessed  with 
opulence. 

„      „    This  evening  I  returned  to  Navan. 

„     19.  Slane,  at  Rushwee  (Rev.  Michael  Hanlon),  39. 

„     20.  I  spent  this  day  at  Rathkenny. 

„  21.  I  went  to  Hamlinstown,  and  returned  on  the  22nd  to 
Navan. 

„  26.  Oristown  (Rev.  John  Fay),  75. — Enormity  of  pro- 
fane swearing;  compliments  on  the  decent  condi- 
tion of  the  chapel.  I  returned  to  Navan,  after 
having  finished  the  twenty-first  general  visitation 
of  the  diocese  of  Meath. 


316  THE  BISHOPS   OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

Nov.  12.  I  came  to  Dublin  to  assist  at  the  Board  of  College 
Trustees,  and  at  a  numerous  meeting  of  the 
Catholic  Prelates. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

Visitation  0/1801. 

Feb.  1 3.  Celebrated  Mass  to-day  for  the  return  of  peace  and 

plenty. 

„     27.  Died  to-day  Rev.  Pat.  Carolan,  P.P.  of  Moynalty. 
Mar.  21.  I  appointed  Rev.  Peter  M'Mahon  P.P.  of  Moynalty, 

in  the  room  of  the  late  Rev.  Pat.  Carolan. 
April  12.  This  day  died  of  a  putrid  fever  Rev.  Pat.  Ferrall, 

P.P.  of  Greenoge  and  Kilbride. 
„     13.  I  appointed  in  the  room  of  Rev.  Mr.  Ferrall  the  Rev. 

Pat.  Lynn,  P.P.  of  Greenoge,  &c. 
„     15.  On  the  resignation  of  Rev.  Mr.  Lynn,  I  appointed 

Rev.  Christopher  Halligan  P.P.  of  Greenoge  and 

Kilbride. 
May     3.  My  twenty-second  visitation  commenced  on  the  3rd 

of  May,  1801. 
„       „    Navan  (Patrick  Joseph  Plunket,  Bishop  and  P.P.), 

154. — The  instruction  turned  upon  the  abuse  of 

the  means  of  salvation  peculiar  to  Navan ;  on  the 

scandal  of  wakes  and  nocturnal  dances. 
„     24.  Trim  (Rev.  John  Clarke,  P.P.  and  Vic.-For.),  42.— 

Subject  of  instruction  taken  from  the   festival 

(Pentecost)   of   the   day;  thieving  and  stealing 

reprobated. 

„     25.  Kildalkey  (Rev.  John  Rickard,  P.P.),  27. 
„     26.  Rathmullian  (Rev.  Laurence  Grehan,  P.P.),  87. — The 

flock  complimented  on  a  change  for  the  better; 

on  the  decent  condition  of  the  chapel ;  and  on  the 

singing  introduced  since  last  visitation. 
„     27.  Balliver  (Rev.  Laurence  Shaw,  O.P.,  Administrator), 

103. — Thieving  and  stealing  reprobated  ;  neglect 

of  the  Paschal  duty ;  the  pretext  of  distress  and 

poverty  condemned. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET.  317 

May  28.  Clonard  (Eev.  Garrett  O'Reilly,  P.P.),  168.— Compli- 
ments to  a  considerable  portion  of  the  flock  on  the 
flourishing  state  of  religion;  the  frequenting  of 
the  Sacraments ;  the  teaching  of  Catechism,  sing- 
ing, &c. 

„  30.  Killucan  (Rev.  John  Swords),  58.— The  spirit  of 
thieving,  and  neglect  of  the  Paschal  duty  inveighed 
against. 

„     31.  Fertullagh  (Rev.  Bryan  Cofty,  O.P.  and  P.P.),  60.— 
The  festival  of  the  day  (the  Trinity) ;  neglect  of 
the  Paschal  duty. 
June    2.  Castletown-Geoghegan  (Rev.  John  Duffy,  P.P.),  100. 

„       3.  Dyssart  (Rev.  Owen  Cofly,  P.P.),  18. 

„  4.  Kilbeggan  (Rev.  Thomas  Dunn,  P.P.),  82. — On  the 
festival  of  the  day  (Corpus  Christi) ;  neglect  of 
Paschal  Communion  ;  thieving  and  stealing. 

„       5.  Tullamore  (Rev.  James  Murray,  P.P.),  80. 

„  6.  Thomastown  (Rev.  John  Egan,  O.M.  and  P.P.,  Rev. 
Andrew  Pigeon,  curate),  54. 

„  7.  Frankford  (Rev.  Michael  Kearney,  Vic.-For.),  128. — 
On  the  festival  of  Corpus  Christi ;  the  Real 
Presence  established;  the  infinite  charity  and 
mercy  of  Jesus  Christ  abused  by  those  who  neglect 
the  Paschal  duty. 

„  8.  Conference  on  Penance,  made  by  Rev.  Mr.  Kelly, 
curate  at  Frankford ;  the  sermon  "  on  fraternal 
charity,"  preached  by  Rev.  Mr.  Pigeon. 

„       9.  This  day  I  dined  at  Castlewood. 

„     10.  Rathen  (Rev.  John  O'Hara),  54. 

„  11.  Clara  (Rev.  James  Daly),  165. — The  festival  of  Corpus 
Christi ;  the  Real  Presence  considered ;  a  deep 
sense  of  the  infinite  mercy  and  of  the  unbounded 
charity  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  obvious  consequence 
of  the  Catholic  doctrine,  and  to  be  evinced  by 
frequent  confession  and  Communion. 

„     12.  Kill  (Rev.  Pat.  M'Namee),  59. 

„     13.  Kilkenny,  West  (Rev.  Michael  M'Cormack),  37. 

„     14.  Baltimore  (Rev.  Daniel  Mulledy,  Vic.-Gen.),  131. 

„  15.  Conference. — The  sermon  on  the  Eucharist,  preached 
by  Rev.  Mr.  Wyer,  Junior. 

„     16.  Moyvour  (Rev.  James  Woods),  76. 

„     17.  Milltown  (Rev.  John  Wyer),  54. 


318  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

June  18.  I  spent  this  day  at  Mearescourt. 

„  19.  Balnacarrig  (Rev.  John  Byrne),  72. — Breach  of  the 
Sunday  by  unnecessary  servile  work,  and  by 
dancing  at  improper  hours  ;  curiosity  of  listening 
to  itinerant  preachers. 

,,     20.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Brown's. 

„  21.  Mullingar  (P.  J.  Plunket,  Bishop  and  P.P.,  Rev. 
Messrs.  James  Hope  and  John  Ferrall,  curates), 
89. — Neglect  of  the  Sacraments ;  profane  cursing, 
swearing,  and  detraction  condemned. 

,,     32.  Conference  on  the  cases  that  occurred. 

„     23.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Askeon's. 

„  24.  Multifarnam  (Rev.  Thomas  Moran,  O.  Min.),  92. — 
The  instruction  turned  on  the  festival  of  St.  John, 
and  on  the  neglect  of  the  Sacraments. 

„  25.  I  dined  with  General  Payne,  of  Portlemon.  On  my 
return  late  to  Mullingar  I  escaped,  through  Divine 
Providence,  from  an  accident  by  which  I  might 
have  perished,  having  been  thrown  from  the  car- 
riage which  conveyed  me,  and  lain  under  it  for 
some  time  in  the  ditch  where  it  overset.  I 
suffered  only  a  few  bruises,  and  was  next  day  able 
to  say  Mass  of  thanksgiving  for  the  protection  of 
heaven. 

„  26.  Taghmon  (Rev.  Thomas  Stafford),  111  .—Neglect  of  the 
Sacraments  ;  delay  of  repentance. 

„     27.  Mayne  (Rev.  James  Murray),  17. 
"  „     28.  Castlepollard  (Rev.  John  Murray),  132. 

„  29.  Fore,  at  Collinstown  (Rev.  James  Flood),  45. — Chris- 
tian education  of  children  neglected ;  chapel  of 
Fore  in  a  ruinous  condition — disgraceful  to  the 
flock  ;  Sacraments  neglected ;  the  festival  (SS. 
Peter  and  Paul)  considered.  The  bruises  occa- 
sioned by  my  fall  last  Thursday  continue  painful. 

„     30.  Castletown-Delvin  (Rev.  James  Moran),  65. — On  the 

observance  of  Sundays  and  holidays. 
July     1.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Dardis's,  Jigginstown. 

„       2.  Clonmallon  (Rev.  John  Murray),  63. 

„       3.  Kilskeer  (Rev.  Michael  Flood),  56. 

„       4.  Killeigh  and  Kilbride  (Rev.  Peter  Brady),  157. 

„  5.  Oldcastle  (Rev.  Bryan  Reilly),  53. — Sloth  and  tepidity 
with  respect  to  the  Sacraments ;  the  rashness  and 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  319 

wickedness  of  persons  who  form  matrimonial  con- 
nections without  the  consent  of  their  parents ; 
profane  cursing  and  swearing  ;  thieving  and  steal- 
ing condemned  and  reprobated. 
July    6.  I  spent  at  Stonefield. 

„  7.  Loghan,  at  Carnaross  (Rev.  John  Gorman),  52. — 
Thieving  and  stealing  condemned ;  the  flock  com- 
plimented on  the  improved  state  of  the  chapel. 
Same  day  Conference  at  Kells,  made  by  Rev. 
Mr.  Gosson,  curate  to  Rev.  Peter  Brady,  on 
restitution  ;  sermon  preached  by  Rev.  John  Reilly. 

„  8.  Moynalty  (Rev.  Peter  M'Mahon,  P.P.),  60.— The 
abuse  of  the  Scapular ;  exhortation  to  frequent 
confession  and  Communion. 

„  9.  I  dined  at  Rev.  Mr.  M'Mahon's  with  the  Right  Rev. 
Dr.  Dillon,  Bishop  of  Kilmore. 

„  10.  This  day  I  interrupted  the  visitation,  and  returned  to 
Navan,  after  an  absence  of  one  month  and  sixteen 
days. 

„  12.  Kilberry  (Rev.  John  Fay),  57. — Gospel  of  the  day — 
"  Give  an  account  of  thy  stewardship." 

„  21.  Castletown-Kilpatrick  (Rev.  Pat.  M'Dermott ;  Rev. 
Pat.  Halligan,  O.P.,  Deservitor),  68. — Holidays 
violated. 

„  22.  Nobber  (Rev.  William  M'Kenna,  Archdeacon,  and 
Vic.-For.),  37. — Neglect  of  the  Christian  education 
of  children. 

„  23.  Eniskeen,  at  Muff  (Rev.  James  Birmingham),  79. — 
Mass  not  attended  by  a  certain  description  of  the 
poor — the  guilt  and  unreasonableness  of  such  con- 
duct. - 

„  24.  Drumcondra  (Rev.  Philip  Mulligan,  P.P.),  126.— 
Enormous  neglect  of  the  Paschal  duty  in  the  lower 
part  of  the  parish;  accused  also  of  other  unchristian 
dispositions. 

„     25.  Syddan  (Rev.   Henry  Connell),   33. — Interior  piety 

necessary  to  make  exterior  piety  acceptable. 
-  „     26.  Slane.  (Rev.   Michael  Hanlon),  82. — Exterior  piety 
insufficient. 

„  27.  I  spent  this  day  at  Causestown,  with  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Grainger.  In  the  evening  I  returned  to  Navan, 
and  found  the  plan  for  enlarging  my  lodge  at  the 


320  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

chapel  entered  upon,  partly  by  demolition,  partly 
by  reconstruction,  on  a  larger  scale. 

July  28.  Walterstown    (Rev.    James    Callaghan),    23. — The 
heinousness  of  neglecting  the  Paschal  duty. 

„     29.  Skreene  (Rev.  Christopher  Byrne),  33. 

„     30.  Dunsany  (Rev.  James  Fleming),  33. 
Aug.     1.  Moynalvy  (Rev.  Richard  Meighan),  24. — Prevailing 
habits  of  robbing  and  stealing  reprobated ;   com- 
pliments on  the  improvement  of  the  chapel. 

„       2.  Summerhill  (Rev.  John  Cregan),  26. 

,,  3.  Conference  at  Summerhill,  "  De  Justitia,"  made  by 
Rev.  Mr.  Cregan. — The  sermon  preached  by  Rev. 
Mr.  Meighan. 

„  „  Kilcloon  and  Radenstown  (Rev.  James  Ferrall),  44. — 
Neglect  of  Paschal  Communion ;  clandestine  mar- 
riages and  petty  thieving  condemned. 

„  4.  Dunboyne  (Rev.  James  Connell),  23. — Paschal  duty 
neglected ;  thieving  reprobated ;  compliments  on 
the  new  chapel. 

„  6.  Greenoge,  at  Donnymore  (Rev.  Christopher  Halligan, 
P.P.),  39. 

„  7.  Ratoath  (Rev.  Pat.  Langan),  24. — After  dinner  this 
day  I  returned  to  Navan,  to  be  at  home  for  the 
festival  of  the  Assumption  of  the  Blessed  Virgin, 
the  feast  day  of  the  parish. 

„  16.  Dunshaughlin  (Rev.  Thomas  Fagan,  P.P.  and  Vic.- 
For.),  60. — Thieving  and  stealing;  clandestine 
marriages ;  profane  cursing  and  swearing ;  neglect 
of  the  Christian  education  of  children  and  of  the 
Paschal  duty ;  scandalous  incontinence  inveighed 
against,  and  threatened  with  the  Divine  vengeance. 

„  17.  Conference  made  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hernon,  on  the 
Real  Presence. — The  sermon  on  the  delay  of  re- 
pentance, preached  by  Rev.  Mr.  Halligan. 

„     18.  I  dined  this  day  at  "Warrenstown. 

„  19.  Curraha  (Rev.  Pat.  Keonan),  28. — A  few  did  not 
comply  with  the  Paschal  duty ;  some  parents'  ne- 
glect to  put  their  children  in  mind  of  going  to 
confession  when  arrived  at  the  age  of  discretion  • 
power  given  to  the  pastor  to  excommunicate  a 
man  who  lived  in  adultery,  if  he  did  not  reform 
his  life. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  321 

Aug.  20.  Clonalvy  (Rev.  John  Leonard),  50. 
21.  Stamullen  (Rev.  Pat.  Ennis),  37. 

23.  Drogheda  (Rev.  William  Harford,  Vic.-For.),  54. 

24.  I  dined  with  Mr.  Hamill. 

25.  Monknewtown  (Rev.  Laurence  Chevers),  52. 

26.  Donore  (Rev.  Walter  Johnson),  17. 

27.  Duleek  (Rev.  John  Kearney),  41. — Compliments  to 

the  flock  on  their  charity  to  the  poor ;  on  the  de- 
cency of  the  Divine  worship,  increased  by  the 
singing  of  the  children ;  reproaches  to  the  parents 
who  neglect  to  send  their  children  to  catechism. 

„  28.  Blacklion  (Rev.  Thomas  Walsh),  34. — Compliments 
to  the  flock  on  the  diminution  of  scandal ;  Pas- 
chal Communion.  This  evening  I  returned  to- 
Navan. 

Sept.  10.  I  attended  the  Conference  at  Nobber,  made  by  Rev. 
Henry  Connell,  on  satisfaction. — The  sermon, 
on  "  fraternal  charity,"  preached  by  Rev.  Eugene 
O'Reilly. 

„  11.  I  appointed  Rev.  Pat.  Carey  curate  to  Rev.  Mr.  Bir- 
mingham, P.P.  of  Eniskeen. 

„  29.  Ardbraccan  (Rev.  Michael  Branagan,  P.P.),  57. — Re- 
spect inculcated  for  the  laws  that  protect  pro- 
perty, and  indignation  manifested  against  some 
individual  who  had  violated  them  by  setting  fire 
to  a  house. 

Oct.  1.  Dunderry  Bridge  (Rev.  Michael  Tipper,  O.M.),  60. — 
The  Christian  education  of  children  neglected ; 
the  morals  of  young  persons  endangered  by  dances 
and  irregular  meetings  on  Sundays  and  holidays. 

„  8.  To-day  died  the  Rev.  Michael  Tipper,  O.M,  Pastor 
of  Moimet  and  Clonmaduff. 

„  11.  Kells — in  the  new  chapel —  (Rev.  Peter  O'Reilly,  P.P.), 
40. — Grateful  sentiments  expressed  to  the  Most 
Noble  the  Marquis  of  Headfort  for  giving  the 
ground  plot  and  £100  ;  towards  the  Protestant 
gentlemen  of  the  neighbourhood  for  their  contri- 
butions ;  compliments  paid  to  all  the  Catholics 
who  subscribed,  especially  to  the  parishioners,  who 
were  reminded  of  the  faith  received  by  their 
ancestors,  and  exhorted  to  prove  and  honour  it  by 
living  according  to  its  maxims,  and  not  imitating 

Y 


322  THE  BISHOPS  OF  HEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

the  degenerate  nominal  Catholics,  by  whom" our 
holy  religion  is  more  wounded  than  it  has  been 
by  the  penal  code,  or  the  prejudice  of  its  bitterest 
enemies. 

Oct.  1 3.  Conference  of  the  district  made  by  Eev.  Mr.  O'Leary, 
"  de  contractions." — The  sermon  on  fraternal 
charity,  preached  by  Rev.  Mr.  M'Mahon,  of  Moy- 
nalty. 

„  15.  Kilbeg  (Rev.  George  M'Dermott,  P.P.),  35.— Parents 
reproached  for  neglecting  the  Christian  education 
of  their  children,  and  for  suffering  them  to  expose 
themselves  to  bad  company  at  public  diversions 
on  the  Lord's  Day. 

„  18.  Athboy  (Rev.  John  Martin),  89.— Education  of 
children ;  animosity  between  families ;  pilfering 
and  stealing ;  lewdness  held  up  to  the  detestation 
of  the  flock. 

„  19.  This  day  Pat.  Sheridan,  of  the  parish  of  Kilbride,  in 
the  County  Cavan,  diocese  of  Meath,  aged  16, 
presented  himself  to  me. 

,,  ,,  This  day  also  Rev.  James  Egan  called  to  me  for  letters 
of  recommendation  to  go  abroad,  which  I  gave 
him. 

.,,  20.  This  night  I  returned  from  Athboy,  after  having, 
with  the  Divine  assistance,  finished  my  twenty- 
second  general  visitation  of  the  diocese  of  Meath. 

„     29.  This  night,  about  ten  o'clock,   Rev.  William  Fitz- 

simons,  of  Sydenham,  departed  this  life. 

Nov.  6.  This  evening  I  gave  the  administration  of  the  Union 
of  Moimet  and  Clonmaduff,  &c.,  to  Rev.  Father 
John  Mulloy,  O.M.,  of  the  house  of  Courtown, 
until  further  notice. 

„  10.  Celebrated  Mass  to-day  for  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Reilly, 
Bishop  of  Clogher. 

„  11.  This  day  I  went  to  Dublin,  to  assist  at  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  Board  of  College  Trustees,  which 
was  attended  by  the  Most  Rev.  Drs.  O'Reilly 
of  Armagh,  Troy  of  Dublin,  Bray  of  Cashell, 
and  Dillon  of  Tuam ;  and  by  the  Right  Rev.  Drs. 
Caufield  of  Wexford,  Cruise  of  Ardagh,  and 
Plunket  of  Meath.  The  Earl  of  Fingall,  Sir 
Edward  Bellew,  and  Mr.  Strange  assisted. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  323 

Nov.  14.  Tliis  day  I  returned  to  Navan,  from  the  Board  of 
College  Trustees,  held  from  Wednesday  last,  in 
Dublin. 

„  29.  This  day  I  performed  visitation  duty  in  the  parish  of 
Bective. — I  confirmed  29,  and  spoke,  from  the 
Epistle,  of  the  dispositions  with  which  it  was  ne- 
cessary to  begin  the  holy  time  of  Advent.  I  men- 
tioned, with  grateful  acknowledgment,  Mr. 
Bolton's  donation  of  an  acre  of  ground  for  the 
building  of  a  chapel  and  school-house. 

Dec.     1.  This  day  I  confirmed  a  servant  who  was  to  set  off 

shortly  for  England. 
Total  number  examined  and  confirmed  this  year — 4,236. 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 

Visitation  of  1802. 

April  13.  Eev.  Thomas  Kennedy  appointed  to  the  care  of  the 
Union  of  Donnymore  and  Kilbride,  in  the  room  of 
Rev.  Mr.  Halligan,  who  resigned  that  living,  and 
returned  to  serve  as  curate  at  Ardcath. 

,,  „  Rev.  Mr.  Roe  appointed  curate  at  Stamullin,  in  the 
room  of  Rev.  Thomas  Kennedy.  Rev.  Mr. 
Kavanagh  permitted  to  serve  as  curate  at  Skreene, 
under  Rev.  Mr.  Byrne. 

Twenty-third  General  Visitation  of  the  diocese  of  Meath. 

May  9.  Navan  (Patrick  Joseph  Plunket,  P.P.  of  Navan,  and 
Bishop  of  the  diocese),  221  confirmed. — Neglect  of  the 
Paschal  duty,  of  the  Catholic  education  of  children, 
and  of  the  spiritual  welfare  of  servants ;  prevailing 
abuses  during  the  course  of  the  year  animadverted 
upon,  as  the  most  common  faults  of  parents  and 
masters  and  mistresses. 

June  6.  Kells  (Rev.  Peter  O'Reilly,  P.P.  and  Vic. -For.),  113.— 
The  attention  of  the  flock  called  to  the  festival 
(Pentecost);  Paschal  duty  enforced;  backwardness 


324  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DE.  PLUNKET. 

on  the  part  of  some  in  paying  their  first  subscrip- 
tion condemned ;  due  observance  of  the  Sunday 
urged ;  observations  on  the  disproportion  there  is 
between  the  present  parochial  income  and  the 
exigencies  of  the  pastor. 

June  7.  Athboy  (Rev.  John  Martin,  P.P.),  95. — The  festival; 
Paschal  duty ;  drunkenness ;  observance  of  the 
Sunday. 

„  8.  Tuesday— Oristown  (Eev.  John  Fay,  P.P.),  123.— 
Profane  cursing  and  swearing ;  Paschal  duty 
neglected  by  a  few  ;  observance  of  Sunday. 

„  9.  I  officiated  at  Kells,  and  spoke  of  St.  Golumbkille, 
patron  of  the  parish. 

„  10.  Clomnaduff,  at  Dun  deny  Bridge  (Rev.  John  Molloy, 
O.M.,  Administrator),  56. 

„     13.  Trim  (Rev.  John  Clarke,  Vic.-For.),  118. 

„     14.  Kildalkey  (Rev.  Mr.  Rickard),  90. 

„  15.  Rathmullian  (Rev.  Laurence  Grehan),  171. — Sundays 
and  holidays  profaned  by  unnecessary  senile 
labour ;  by  dangerous  amusements,  intoxication, 
&c. 

„     16.  Balliver  (Rev.  Laurence  Shaw,  O.P.),  20. 

„  17.  Clonard,  at  Kinnegad  (Rev.  Garrett  Reilly),  189. — 
The  festival  (Corpus  Christi) ;  Paschal  duty  ; 
Sundays  and  holidays. 

„     20.  Killucan  (Rev.  Mr.  Swords),  70. 

.  „  21.  I  went  to  Clown  to  assist  at  the  month's  mind  of 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  Dowdall,  where  I  celebrated  High 
Mass,  and  next  day  went  to  Milltown. 

„     22.  Milltown  (Rev.  Bryan  Coffy,  O.P.),  75. 

„  23.  Castletown-Geoghegan  (Rev.  John  Duffy),  45. — 
Catechism  on  Sundays ;  Paschal  duty. 

„  24.  Kilbeggan  (Rev.  Thomas  Dunn),  121. — St.  John 
proposed  as  a  pattern  of  virtue ;  Paschal  duty ; 
catechism. 

„  „  On  this  day  died  Rev.  Christopher  Byrne,  Parish 
Priest  of  Skreene. 

„      „    On  this  evening  I  appointed  the  Rev.  William  Killin, 

P.P.  of  Skreene. 
„     25  and  26.  I  spent  these  two  days  at  Mrs.  Fitzgerald's, 

of  Newtown. 
„     27.  Tullamore  (Rev.  James  Murray),  193. — Compliments 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  325 

on  the  new  chapel  paid  to  Lord  Charleville,  who 
gave  the  ground  plot,  and  handsomely  contributed; 
to  the  Protestants  who  subscribed  on  the  occasion; 
to  the  Catholics  whose  liberality  raised  so  good  a 
house  of  worship ;  Paschal  duty ;  observance  of 
the  Lord's  Day ;  compliments  to  some  of  the  most 
respectable  Catholic  young  ladies  on  their  zeal  in 
teaching  the  catechism,  and  to  the  choir. 
June  29.  Frankford  (Rev.  Michael  Kearney,  V.F.),  120.— 
Paschal  duty ;  Christian  education  of  children ; 
compliments  on  the  parochial  house  being  erected 
by  subscription. 

„  30.  Conference  at  Frankford,  on  the  "Real  Presence," 
made  by  Rev.  Mr.  Pidgeon.  The  sermon  on  de- 
traction preached  by  Rev.  Francis  Kelly. 

July  1.  Thomastown  (Rev.  John  Egan,  O.M.,  absent  on 
account  of  an  operation  to  prevent  a  cancer  in  his 
lip ;  Rev.  Mr.  Pidgeon,  his  curate,  did  duty),  55. 
— Compliments  on  a  change  for  the  better  among 
the  flock  ;  reproaches  to  some  who  were  more  or 
less  concerned  in  a  quarrel  at  a  neighbouring  fair ; 
Christian  education  of  children  neglected  by  some 
bad  parents ;  due  observance  of  the  Lord's  Day 
enforced. 

„  5.  Rathen  (Rev.  John  O'Hara),  97. — The  enormity  of 
drunkenness  which  began  to  prevail,  and  of  fight- 
ing and  quarrelling,  which  had  taken  place  three 
or  four  times  of  late ;  due  observance  of  the 
Sunday. 

„  6.  Clara  (Rev.  James  Daly),  216. — Sundays  profaned  by 
promiscuous  meetings  of  young  persons,  for  the 
purpose  of  dancing,  by  drunkenness,  and,  on  the 
part  of  some,  by  unnecessary  servile  work  ;  a 
word  or  two  on  the  festival  of  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul. 

„       7.  This  day  I  dined  at  Mr.  Esmond's. 

„  8.  Kilmonaghan  (Rev.  Pat.  M'Namee),  68. — Observance 
of  Sundays ;  the  sacrament  of  penance  neglected 
by  some  of  the  young  and  old. 

„       9.  This  day  I  dined  at  Rosemount. 

„  10.  Kilkenny,  West  (Rev.  Michael  M'Cormack),  28.— 
I  dined  at  Bunown,  at  Mr.  Matthew  Higgins's, 


326  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET. 

where  also  the  Parish  Priest  and  two  of  the  clergy 
who  assisted  at  the  visitation  dined. 
July  11.  Ballimore  (Rev.  Daniel .Mulledy,  V.  G.),  131. 

12.  Conference  of  the  district ;  a  lease  for  ever  of  an  acre 
of  ground  given  by  Lord  Viscount  Netterville  to 
the  parish  of  Ballimore  for  the  erection  of  a 
chapel,  signed  by  Dr.  Plunket,  Bishop ;  by  Rev. 
Daniel  Mulledy,  P.P. ;  by  James  Nugent,  of  Bal- 
nacor,  &c.  ;  by  Thomas  Magan,  Esqrs.,  in  quality 

0  Trustees. 

„     13.  Moyvour  (Rev.  James  Wood),  61. 

„  14.  Milltown  (Rev.  John  Wyer),  53. — Bad  confessions 
the  source  of  the  scandals  complained  of,  viz., 
breach  of  the  Sabbath  ;  pilfering  and  stealing ; 
private  resentments ;  public  quarrels  ;  connivance 
at  the  conduct  of  young  disorderly  persons  of  both 
sexes. 

„     15.  This  day  and  night,  as  also  the  two  preceding  nights, 

1  spent  at  Mearescourt,  at  Mr.  Banon's. 

,,  16.  Sonna  (Rev.  John  Byrne),  75. — Forgiveness  of  in- 
juries ;  observance  of  Sundays  ;  compliments  to 
Sir  Henry  Tuite  for  having  principally  contributed 
to  the  repairs  of  the  chapel. 

„  IP.  Mullingar,  one  of  the  Bishop's  mensal  parishes,  of 
which  he  retains  one-third  (Patrick  Joseph 
Plunket,  Bishop  and  P.P.,  Revs.  John  Ferrall 
and  James  Hope,  assistants),  295  confirmed. — 
Observance  of  Sundays;  cursing  and  swearing 
reprobated  ;  compliments  on  the  uncommon  fide- 
lity with  which  the  Paschal  duty  was  discharged. 

„  19.  Conference,  made  by  Rev.  John  Ferrall,  "  De  Jure 
et  Justitia." — Sermon  on  death  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Flood. 

„  20.  Churchtown  (Rev.  Owen  Coffy),  74. — Mass  ill  attended 
to ;  children  not  sent  to  learn  the  catechism ; 
Paschal  duty  neglected  by  some. 

„  26.  Multifarnam,  at  Lany  (Rev.  Thomas  Moran,  O.M.), 
145. — Due  observance  of  the  Sunday  enforced; 
dances  on  Sundays  reprobated. 

„  27.  Taghmon  (Rev.  Thomas  Stafford),  155. — The  burning 
of  houses  through  malice  and  revenge  reprobated ; 
observance  of  Sundays. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  327 

July  28.  Mayne  (Rev.  James  Murray),  58. — Early  education  of 
children  important  and  necessary;  Paschal  duty 
to  be  performed  in  the  proper  time. 

„  29.  Castlepollard  (Rev.  John  Murray),  133.— The  due 
observance  of  the  Sabbath  enforced  ;  this  day 
violated  by  unnecessary  servile  work,  by  amuse- 
ments inconsistent  with  the  sanctity  of  the  day,  and 
more  especially  by  sin  of  every  kind  ;  the  Sunday 
sanctified  by  those  who  assist  devoutly  at  Mass, 
who  frequent  the  Sacraments,  who  attend  at  the 
instructions  of  the  church,  who,  by  meditation, 
examination  of  conscience,  and  prayer,  prepare  for 
the  last  summons  which  must  come  some  one 
week. 
Aug.  1.  Collinstown  (Rev.  James  Flood),  110. 

„       2.  Castletown-Delvin  (Rev.  James  Moran),  97. 

„       3.  Cloumallon  (Rev.  John  Murray),  103. 

„       4.  Kilskeer,  at  Ballinlogh  (Rev.  Michael  Flood),  101. 

„  5.  I  dined  this  day  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Kearney,  of 
Milltown. 

„  6.  I  dined  this  day  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Edward  Kearney, 
of  Hamlinstown. 

„  7.  Kilbride  (Rev.  Peter  Brady),  211 . — Profane  swearing ', 
eloping  of  young  persons  of  both  sexes ;  neglect  of 
Paschal  duty  ;  drunkenness  of  some  individuals  of 
the  flock  condemned. 

„       8.  Oldcastle  (Rev.  Bryan  Reilly),  170. 

„  10.  Loghan  and  Dulane,  at  Carnaross  (Rev.  John 
Gorman,  P.P.,  Rev.  Thad.  Grehan,  O.M.,  Deser- 
vitor),  104. — Same  day  Conference  at  Kells,  on  the 
sacrament  of  penance.  The  sermon  on  purity, 
preached  by  Rev.  John  Reilly,  curate  of  Kells. 

„  11.  Moynalty  (Rev.  Peter  M'Mahon),  130.— The  guilt  of 
quarrelling  and  fighting  ;  of  drunkenness  and  of 
violating  the  Lord's  Day. 

„  12.  Kilbeg  (Rev.  George  M'Dermott),  66.— The  guilt  of 
putting  off  the  Paschal  duty  to  this  late  period ; 
how  to  observe  the  Sundays. 

„  21.  Monknewtown  (Rev.  Laurence  Chevers),  49. — Drunk- 
enness and  its  effects ;  quarrelling  and  swearing 
reprobated. 

„     -22.  Drogheda  (Rev.  William  Harford,  Vic. -For.),  58. 


328  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Aug.  23.  Donore  (Rev.  Walter  Johnson),  27. — Reproaches  to 
the  parish  for  not  attending  the  visitation. 

„  24.  This  day  Dr.  M'Laughiin  was  consecrated  Bishop  of 
Raphoe  by  Dr.  O'Reilly,  the  Primate ;  Drs. 
Plunket  of  Meath,  and  Dillon  of  Kilmore,  assisting 
consecrators.  The  other  bishops  of  the  province, 
Dr.  Cruise  excepted,  were  present  on  the  occasion. 
All  dined  with  our  Primate  after  the  ceremony. 

„  25  and  26.  On  these  two  days  the  provincial  meeting  of 
the  bishops  of  the  Province  of  Armagh,  inter- 
rupted since  the  year  1797,  the  year  before  the 
rebellion,  was  held  at  Drogheda.  It  was  com- 
posed of  Drs.  O'Reilly,  Archbishop  of  Armagh 
and  Primate  of  all  Ireland,  Plunket  of  Meath, 
Dillon  of  Kilmore,  Murphy  of  Clogher,  M'Mullen 
of  Down  and  Connor,  O'Donnell  of  Derry, 
O'Dwyer  of  Dromore,  and  M'Laughiin  of  Raphoe. 
Uniformity  in  the  observance  of  Lent  was  agreed 
upon ;  various  cases  of  conscience  discussed ; 
letters  answered. 

„     29.  Duleek  (Rev.  John  Kearney),  58. 

„     31.  Stamullin  (Rev.  Pat.  Ennis),  23. 

Sept.    1  and  2.  These  two  days  I  spent  at  Harbourstown  with 
Mr.  Caddell. 

„       3.  This  day  I  dined  at  Grormanstown. 

„  4.  This  day  I  celebrated  Mass  at  Mr.  Cahill's  new  house, 
at  Johnstown  ;  blessed  it  and  his  new  vestments. 

"„       5.  Ardcath  (Rev.  John  Leonard),  60. 

„  6.  This  day  Rev.  Thomas  Kavenagh  called  for  an  exeat 
to  leave  the  diocese  and  go  to  New  York,  which  I 
gave  him. 

„       7.  Curraha  (Rev.  Pat.  Keonan),  34. 

,,       8.  Ratoath  (Rev.  Pat.  Langan),  39. 

,?       9.  Donnymore  (Rev.  Thomas  Kennedy),  10. 

n  12.  Dunboyne  (Rev.  James  Council),  67. — Paschal  duty  ; 
clandestine  marriages  ;  observance  of  Sundays. 

„  14.  Kilcloon  (Rev.  James  Ferrall) ,  5  5 . — Thieving  and  steal- 
ing ;  drinking  to  excess  on  Sundays  and  holidays. 

„     1 5.  Moynalvy  (Rev.  Richard  Meighau),  44 

„  16.  Conference  at  Ra,thmullian,  on  restitution,  made  by 
Rev.  Mr.  Hitchcock.  The  sermon,  "  on  the  loss  of 
time,"  preached  by  Rev.  Mr.  Molloy. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  329 

Sept.  17.  Summerhill  (Eev.   John    Cregan,   P.P.,  superseded, 
Rev.  Pat.  Lynn,  Deservitor),  95. 

„     19.  Dunshaughlin  (Rev.  Thomas  Fagan,  Vic. -For.),  69. 

„  20.  Conference  at  Dunshaughlin,  made  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Fleming,  of  Dunsany,  on  the  annulling  impedi- 
ments of  matrimony.  The  sermon  on  the  B.  V. 
Mary,  by  Rev.  James  Ferrall,  P.P.  of  Kilcloon. 

„     21.  Dunsany  (Rev.  James  Fleming),  85. 

„     22.  I  dined  at  Warrenstown. 

„  23.  Skreene  (Rev.  William  Killen),  86. — Gratitude  to 
Divine  Providence  excited  by  allusion  to  the  finest 
weather  remembered  at  this  season ;  how  to 
sanctify  the  Lord's  Day.  The  Bishop,  Parish 
Priest,  and  attending  clergy  were  invited  by  Elias 
Corbally,  Esq.,  to  dine  at  Sydenham.  Next  day  I 
came  to  Navan. 

„  26.  Blacklion  (Rev.  Thomas  Walsh),  98.— This  day,  after 
duty,  I  returned  a  visit  paid  me  by  Sir  Marcus 
Somerville. 

„     27.  Walterstown  (Rev.  James  Callaghan),  42. 
Oct.     3.  Slane,  at  Rushwee  (Rev.  Michael  Hanlon),  139. — The 
due  observance  of  the  Sunday  enforced  ;  drinking 
and  dancing  to  a  late  hour  on  that  day  condemned. 

„  „  In  the  evening  I  came  to  Causestown,  where  I  spent 
the  next  day,  and  on  Tuesday  morning  I  went  to 
do  visitation  duty  at  Syddan,  but  could  do 
nothing,  as  the  circular  letter  giving  notice  of  the 
visitation  day  there  and  in  five  other  parishes,  viz., 
Drumcondra,  Enniskeen,  Nobber,  Castletown- 
Kilpatrick,  and  Ardbraccan,  through  the  neglect 
of  an  improper  messenger,  imprudently  employed 
in  the  parish  of  Slane,  miscarried.  Having  dined 
at  Rev.  Mr.  Connell's,  at  Syddan,  I  went  by  invi- 
tation to  Mr.  Taaffe's,  at  Smarmor  Castle,  in  the 
county  of  Louth,  where  I  remained  on  the  6th 
and  7th,  and  on  Friday  morning  early,  the  8th,  I 
returned  to  Navan  to  assist  in  hearing  confessions 
as  apreparation  forthesecond  Sunday  of  the  month. 

„  10.  I  said  first  Mass  in  Navan,  and  on  the  same  day  I  set 
out  at  ten  o'clock. 

„  „  Nobber  (Rev.  William  M'Kenna,  Archdeacon  and 
V.F.),  84.— The  flock  blamed  for  having  the 


330  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

chapel  in  so  shattered  a  condition;  invectives 
against  revenge,  quarrelling,  and  drinking;  the 
peculiar  enormity  of  these  crimes  on  the  Lord's 
Day  ;  how  to  observe  the  Sunday. 

Oct.  11.  Conference  made  by  Rev.  Mr.  Bermingham,  "  on  the 
seal  of  confession;"  the  sermon,  "on  the  due 
observance  of  the  sabbath,"  by  Rev.  Mr.  White, 
curate  at  Nobber. 

„  12.  Enniskeen,  at  Muff  (Rev.  James  Birmingham),  140. — 
The  scandalous  custom  of  distributing  whiskey  at 
funerals  reprobated,  as  also  drunkenness  and  its 
effects — fighting  and  quarrelling,  revenge  and  liti- 
gation. 

„  13.  Drumcondra,  at  Ballinavoran  (Rev.  Philip  Mulligan), 
109. — Some  few  animadverted  upon  for  neglecting 
the  Paschal  duty  ;  the  flock  of  Ardagh  reproached 
for  their  propensity  to  deceive  each  other  by 
little  tricks  and  cunning,  and  for  their  fondness  of 
litigation. 

„  14.  Syddan,  at  Newtown  (Rev.  Henry  Connell),  29. — 
Compliments  paid  to  those  who  contributed  to  the 
improvement  of  the  chapel,  especially  to  the  Pro- 
testant gentlemen ;  invectives  against  a  few  who 
had  not  complied  with  the  Easter  duty,  and 
against  many  who  drank  to  excess,  and  were  in  the 
habit  of  returning  from  market  in  a  state  of 
intoxication,  and  against  a  prevalent  spirit  of 
litigation  and  dissension  among  the  flock. 

„  15.  Castletown-Kilpatrick  (Rev.  Pat.  M'Dermott,  P.P.  ; 
Rev.  Mr.  Halligan,  Administrator),  136  con- 
firmed.— Cursing  and  swearing  ;  drunkenness  and 
its  barbarous  consequences — fighting  and  quarrel- 
ling, reprobated. 

„  17.  Ardbraccan,  at  Bohermeen  (Rev.  Michael  Branagan), 
118. — This  evening  ended  my  twenty-third  visita- 
tion of  the  diocese  of  Meath.  I  went  to  spend  the 
night  at  Kells,  with  Rev.  Peter  O'Reilly. 

„     18.  I  spent  this  day  at  Kells  with  the  pastor. 

„     19.  This  evening   I  returned   to   Navan,   after   having 
finished  the  twenty-third  general  visitation  of  the 
diocese  of  Meath,  Laus  Deo. 
Nov.    6.  Celebrated  Mass  for  the  Abbe  Fitzsimons. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  331 

CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

Visitation  of  1803. 

Jan.  26.  This  day,  at  ten  o'clock  at  night,  Eev.  Dr.  Flood,* 
President  of  the  College  of  St.  Patrick,  Maynooth, 
departed  this  life,  after  a  lingering  illness  of  some 
months. 

Feb.  24.  This  day  I  attended  a  Board  of  the  College  Trustees, 
composed  of  the  Most  Eev.  Drs.  O'Eeilly,  Troy, 
Bray,  Dillon;  the  Eight  Eev.  Drs.  Plunket, 'Moy- 
lan,  Delany,  Cruise,  and  French ;  Earls  of  Fin- 
gall  and  Kenmare;  Viscount  Gormanstown  and 
Sir  Thomas  French.  The  Eev.  Dr.  Dunn,  late 
secretary  to  the  Board,  was  elected,  by  a  great 
majority,  President,  in  the  room  of  the  late  Dr. 
Flood.  • 

„  26.  Eev.  Mr.  Eyan,  P.P.  of  Clontarf,  was  elected  secre- 
tary to  the  Board,  in  the  room  of  Dr.  Dunn, 
promoted  to  the  place  of  President  of  the  College 
of  St.  Patrick.  The  Board  adjourned  to  Monday, 
at  Maynooth,  where,  after  having  impartially  and 
minutely  investigated  the  general  resistance  to  the 
legitimate  authority  of  the  immediate  superiors, 
which  broke  out  on  the  3rd  of  last  month,  under 
pretence  of  grievances,  after  having  devoted  three 
days  and  a  half  to  the  inquiry,  pronounced  sen- 
tence of  expulsion  from  the  College  against  the 
five  ringleaders,  who  were  convicted  of  formal 
disobedience.  This  sentence  the  Board  had  exe- 
cuted in  their  own  presence,  and  in  the  presence 
of  all  the  professors  and  students,  assembled  for 
the  purpose,  in  the  College  chapel,  on  Thursday, 
the  3rd  of  March,  1803.  Of  these  ringleaders,  two 
were  from  the  diocese  of  Cloyne,  two  from  Lime- 
rick, and  one  from  Down  and  Connor. 

Mar.    4.  I  returned  to  Navan. 

A  few  leaves  lure  "have,  been  lost. 

*  He  was  Dr.  Plunket's  old  collegiate  friend ;  he  -was  buried  near  the 
"  Virgin's  Altar,  in  the  College  chapel." 


332  THE  BISHOPS   OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 


Visitation. 

June  26.  Kells  (Rev.  Peter  O'Keilly,  V.F.),  124.— An  unusual 
failure  as  to  tlie  Paschal  duty  animadverted  upon. 

„  27.  Conference,  "  on  confession,"  made  by  Rev.  Peter 
M'Mahon. — The  sermon  preached  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Drake. 

„  28.  Loghan  (Rev.  John  Gorman,  P.P. ;  Rev.  Thad. 
Grehan,  Deservitor),  66. — Holydays  violated  by 
dangerous  and  criminal  diversions. 

„     29.  Kilbeg  (Rev.  George  M'Dermott),  38. 

„  30.  Moynalty  (Rev.  Peter  M'Mahon),  84. 
July  Kingscourt  (Rev.  Pat.  Birmingham),  89. — Congratu- 
lations on  the  erection  of  the  new  chapel,  and 
thanks  to  the  Protestant  gentlemen  who  contri- 
buted to  it ;  invectives  against  drankenness,  im- 
purity, and  the  neglect  of  the  Paschal  duty. 

„  2.  Drumcondra  (Rev.  Philip  Mulligan),  61. — Some  of 
the  lower  part  of  the  parish  reproached  for  the 
neglect  of  the  Paschal  duty ;  some  of  the  upper 
part  blamed  for  detraction. 

„  3.  Nobber  (Rev.  William  M'Kenna,  Archdeacon  and 
V.F.),  71. — Fighting  and  quarrelling  reprobated  ; 
amusement  and  dancing  on  Sundays  and  holydays 
usually  dangerous  and  criminal. 

„  4.  Conference  made  on  the  "  sacraments  in  general,"  by 
Rev.  Mr.  White. — Rev.  Mr.  Carey  preached  "  on 
death." 

„  5.  Syddan  (Rev.  Henry  Connell),  34.— The  flock  called 
upon  to  finish  their  chapel. 

„  6.  Castletown-Kilpatrick  (Rev.  Pat.  M'Dermott,  P.P.  ; 
Rev.  Mr.  Halligan,  O.P.,  Administrator),  69. 

„  7.  Slane  (Rev.  Michael  Hanlon),  68. — Notice  taken  of 
the  small  attendance  at  the  chapel;  neglect  of  the 
Paschal  duty  often  punished  by  death  without 
Sacraments. 

„  8.  Monknewtown  (Rev.  Laurence  Chevers),  43. — Pilfer- 
ing and  thieving ;  neglect  of  Paschal  duty  repro- 
bated. 

10.  Drogheda  (Rev.  William  Harford,  V.F.  and  P.P.),  53. 
—Profane  swearing ;  Paschal  duty. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET.  333 

July  11.  Duleek  (Rev.  John  Kearney),  54. 

„  12.  Stamullin  (Rev.  Pat.  Ennis),  26. — The  law  of  the 
Church  commanding  the  Paschal  Communion 
violated  by  those  who  do  not  comply  until  after 
Ascension  Thursday. 

„     13.  Clonalvy  (Rev.  John  Leonard),  43. 

„  14.  Conference  of  the  district,  "on  penance,"  made  by 
Rev.  Christopher  Halligan.  The  sermon  on 
Christian  justice  by  Rev.  Mr.  Callaghan. 

„     15.  Curraha  (Rev.  Pat.  Keonan),  38. 

„     16.  Donnymore  (Rev.  Thomas  Kennedy),  23. 

„     17.  Dunboyne  (Rev.  James  Connell),  34. 

„     18.  Kilcloon  (Rev.  James  Ferrall),  43. 

„  19.  Agher  (Rev.  John  Cregan,  P.P. ;  Rev.  Pat.  Lynn, 
Administrator),  74. — Profane  swearing  of  parents 
and  children ;  Paschal  duty ;  compliments  on  the 
erection  of  the  new  chapel. 

„     20.  Moynalty  (Rev.  Richard  Meighan),  45. 

„  21.  Conference  at  Dunshaughlin.  Sermon  on  Christian 
justice,  in  contradistinction  to  that  of  the  Scribea 
and  Pharisees,  made  by  Rev.  Pat.  O'Leary. 

„     22.  Ratoath  (Rev.  Pat.  Langan),  56. 

„     24.  Dunshaughlin  (Rev.  Thomas  Fagan,  V.F.),  47. 

„     25.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Johnson's,  Warrenstown. 

„  27.  I  went  to  Maynooth,  to  assist  at  a  meeting  of  the 
trustees  of  the  College,  which  was  attended  by 
only  four  of  the  body,  viz. — Drs.  O'Reilly  of 
Armagh,  Troy  of  Dublin,  Plunket  of  Meath, 
Caufield  of  Ferns.  The  others  were  prevented, 
probably  by  the  insurrection  at  Dublin  on  the  pre- 
ceding Saturday  night.  The  prelates  assisted  at 
the  distribution  of  the  prizes  of  the  Lay  College, 
and  heard  the  report  read  of  the  respective  per- 
formances of  the  students  of  the  seminary  during 
the  late  examinations.  The  trustees  made  a 
few  provisional  regulations.  The  Duke  of 
Leinster  dined  at  the  college  with  the  trustees 
on  the  28th  instant,  and  invited  them  to  dinner 
at  Carton,  for  the  following  Sunday.  I  could 
not  wait. 

„  30.  This  day  I  returned  from  Mayuooth,  and  came  to 
Killeen  Castle. 


334  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKET. 

July  31.  Sunday.  Dunsany  (Rev.  James  Fleming),  41.  — 
Paschal  duty  neglected  by  some  heads  of  families. 
Lord  Killeen  and  Lady  Harriet  Plunket  were 
among  the  confirmed. 

Aug.  1.  Eafeigh  (Rev.  William  Killin),  178.— The  perfection 
of  our  ordinary  actions  recommended. 

„       2.  Walterstown  (Rev.  James  Callaghan),  52. 

„       3.  Ardmulchan  (Rev.  Thomas  Walsh),  72. 

„       4.  Donore  (Rev.  Mr.  Johnson),  30. 

„  14.  Trim  (Rev.  John  Clark,  Vic.-For.),  108.— I  returned 
in  the  evening  to  Navan  to  assist  in  hearing  con- 
fessions, and  preparing  for  the  celebration  of  the 
festival  of  the  Assumption. 

„  16.  I  went  to  Rathmullian  to  the  Conference  of  the  dis- 
trict of  Trim. — Subject :  "  Matrimony  as  a  sacra- 
ment," made  by  Rev.  Mr.  Lynn ;  the  sermon  on 
the  "  mercy  of  God  inviting  us  to  repentance," 
preached  by  Rev.  Mr.  Hart. 

„     17.  Rathmullian  (Rev.  Laurence  Grehan),  94. 

„     18.  Longwood (Rev.  Messrs.  ShawandHitchcock,O.P.),114. 

„  21.  This  day  I  assisted  at  a  meeting,  called  by  the  Earl 
Ludlow  and  Sir  James  Foulis,  for  the  purpose  of 
considering  an  address  of  loyalty  to  His  Excel- 
lency the  Lord  Lieutenant.  It  was  held  at  Navan, 
numerously  attended  by  the  parishioners,  Catholic 
and  Protestant,  and  the  address,  which  was 
penned  by  Sir  James,  was  unanimously  adopted, 
altho'  /  did  not  approve  the  reproachful  expressions 
it  contained,  thinking  such  language  undignified, 
to  say  no  more  of  it,  and  not  such  as  His  Ma- 
jesty's Government  was  accustomed  to  use  in 
speaking  of  the  First  Consul  of  France. 

„  28.  Dunderry  Bridge  Chapel  (Rev.  John  Molloy,  O.M.), 
46. — Tippling  near  the  chapel,  accompanied  with 
profane  cursing  and  swearing. 

„  30.  Kildalkey  (Rev.  John  Rickard),  40. — Dancing  on 
Sundays  and  holidays  too  often  dangerous  and 
criminal,  on  account  of  the  circumstances  that 
accompany  it. 

„     31.  Killucan  (Rev.  John  Swords),  90. 
Sept.    1.  Clonard,  at  Kinnegad  (Rev.  Garrett  O'Reilly),  161. 

„       2.  Fertullagh,  at  Milltown  (Rev.  Bryan  Coffy,  O.P.),  85. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLTJNKET.  335 

Sept.  4.  Mullingar  (P.  J.  Plunket,  Bishop  and  P.P.,  Eev. 
Messrs.  Hope  and  Ferrall,  curates),  192. — The 
guilt  of  violating  the  laws  of  the  Church. 

„       6.  I  dined  at  Boardstown  with  Mr.  James  Fleming. 
7.  Churchtown  (Rev.  Owen  Coffy),  32. 

„       8.  Castletown-Geoghegan  (Rev.  John  Duffy),  85. 

„       9.  Kilbeggan  (Rev.  Thomas  Dunn),  109. 

„  10.  I  dined  at  Newtown,  at  Mrs.  Fitzgerald's,  and  in  the 
evening  I  went  to  Tullamore. 

„     11.  Tullamore  (Rev.  James  Murray),  263. 

„     12.  I  dined  at  Mrs.  Smith's. 

„  13.  I  came  to  Frankford,  and  dined  at  Mrs.  Stoney's,  with 
Mr.  George  and  Miss  Stoney,  where  I  was  most 
hospitably  received  and  entertained  during  my 
stay  at  Frankford. 

„  14.  Conference  of  the  district  taken  up  by  the  discussion 
of  examinations  lodged  against  Rev.  Francis 
Kelly,  before  a  magistrate  of  the  King's  County. 

„     15.  Eglish,  at  Thomastown  (Rev.  JohnEgan,  0.  Min.),  65. 

„     16  and  17.  I  dined  at  Themora. 

„  18.  Frankford  (Rev.  Michael  Kearney),  106. — In  the  fore- 
noon I  said  Mass  in  the  new  parochial  house, 
built  by  Rev.  Mr.  Kearney.  I  blessed  it,  and  the 
clergy  and  company  dined  in  it. 

„     19.  I  dined  at  Castlewood. 

„     20.  Rathen  (Rev.  John  O'Hara),  72. 

„     21.  Clara  (Rev.  James  Daly),   120. 

„     22.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Esmond's. 

„     23.  Kill  and  Kilmonaghan  (Rev.  Pat.  M'Namee),  71. 

„  24.  I  dined  at  Rockfield  with  Mr.  Harry  Higgins,  and 
came  in  the  evening  to  Ballimore,  where  I  took  a 
bed  at  Mr.  Walshe's. 

„     25.  Ballimore  (Rev.  Daniel  Mulledy,  V.G.),  126. 

„  26.  Conference  taken  up  in  settling  different  disputes  and 
cases. 

„     27.  Kilkenny,  West  (Rev.  Michael  M'Cormack),  48. 

„  28.  I  spent  this  day  at  Benown  with  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Higgins. 

„     29.  I  passed  this  day  at  Balnacor. 

,,     30.  Moyvour  (Rev.  James  Woods),  62 — In  the  evening  I 

came  to  Mr.  Banan's,  Mearescourt. 
Oct.     2.  Milltown  (Rev.  John  Wyer),  23. 


336  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Oct.     4.  I  passed  this  day  at  Redmondstown. 

„       6.  Sonna  (Rev.  John  Byrne),  41. 

„       7.  Lany  (Rev.  Thomas  Moran,  O.  Min.),  86. 

„       8.  Taghmon  (Rev.  Thomas  Stafford),  85. 

„       9.  Castlepollard  (Rev.  John  Murray),  51. — The  murder  of 
Anthony  O'Reilly,   Esq.,  mentioned  with  abhor- 
rence. 
*  „     10.  I  passed  this  day  with  Mr.  Joseph  Taylor,  at  Nonsuch. 

„  11.  Turbetstown  (Rev.  James  Murray),  55. — Compliments 
on  the  generous  contribution  of  the  parish  to  the 
School  of  St.  Finian,  at  Navan. 

„     12.  I  passed  this  day  at  Mr.  James  Campbell's,  Castletown. 

„     13.  Fore  (Rev.  James  Flood),  64. 

„     14.  Castletown-Delvin  (Rev.  James  Moran),  106. 

„     15.  Clonmallon  (Rev.  John  Murray),  82. 

„     16.  Kilskeer  (Rev.  Michael  Flood),  56. 

„  18.  Killiegh  (Rev.  Peter  Brady),  76. — The  crime  of  young 
persons  of  both  sexes  who  run  away  with  each  other 
before  marriage;  the  guilt  of  profane  swearing. 

„     19.  Oldcastle  (Rev.  Bryan  Reilly),  73. 

„     20.  Month's  mind  of  Mrs.  Brady. 

„     21.  I  passed  this  day  Hamlinstown. 

„     22.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Gaughran's,  Athboy. 

„     23.  Athboy  (Rev.  John  Martin),  57. 

„  25.  Ardbraccan  (Rev.  Michael  Branagan),  87. — Compli- 
ments to  the  flock  on  their  amenable  and  peace- 
able conduct ;  a  few  severely  animadverted  upon 
for  neglect  of  the  Paschal  duty. 

„  „  In  the  evening  I  returned  to  Navan,  after  having 
finished  my  twenty-fourth  general  visitation  of  the 
diocese  of  Meath,  and  having  employed,  in  the 
performance  of  that  duty,  three  months  and  seven- 
teen days. 


CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

Visitation  of  1805. 

Mar.       About  the  beginning  of  this   month   I   sent   Hugh 
Carthy,  of  the  Union  of  Ardbraccan,  to  fill  the 


*  The  record  of  Visitation  for  1804  has  been  lost. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  337 

place  vacant  at  Maynooth  by  the  departure  of 

James  M'Cormack. 
Mar.  29.  This  day  died  Rev.  James  Daly,  P.P.  of  Horseleap 

and  Kilbride. 
„     30.  This  day  I  appointed  Rev.  Thomas  Walsh  P.P.  of 

Horseleap  and   Kilbride,   in   the   room  of  Rev. 

James  Daly,  deceased. 
April  4.  I  wrote  to  Rev.   James  Conolly,  of  St.   Clement's, 

Rome. 

My  Twenty-sixth  Visitation. 

May  26.  Navan  (P.  J.  Plunket,  Bishop  and  P.P.),  165  con 
firmed. — The  flock  invited  to  prepare  for  the 
festival  of  Pentecost ;  the  young  warned  against 
the  danger  of  bad  company  ;  the  middle-aged 
cautioned  against  that  forgetfulness  of  God  and 
eternity  which  is  the  effect  of  eager,  worldly  pur- 
suits ;  the  old  roused  to  vigilance  and  piety,  by 
the  consideration  of  their  approaching  dissolution. 
June  Messieurs  Reilly,  of  Kingscourt,  and  Kelsh,  of  the 
parish  of  Slane,  presented  for  deaconship  and 
priesthood  at  Maynooth. 

„       2.  Kells  (Rev.  Peter  O'Reilly,  P.P.  and  V.G.),  77. 

„  3.  Kilbeg  (Rev.  George  M'Dermott),  57. — Paschal  duty; 
one  of  the  chapels  unfinished ;  dancing  to  a  late 
hour  on  Sundays. 

,,       4.  I  dined  with  Mr.  Val.  Cruise. 

„  5.  Dulane  (Rev.  John  Gorman,  P.P.,  Rev.  Thad.  Grehan, 
Deservitor),  95. — Ember  days  explained. 

„     1 2.  Jobber  (Rev.  William  M'Kenna),  93. 

„  13.  Kingscourt  (Rev.  James  Birmingham),  105. — The 
festival  of  Corpus  Christi ;  parents  neglecting  to 
instruct  their  children  by  example  ;  Paschal  duty 
not  complied  with  by  a  great  number. 

„  14.  Drumcondra  (Rev.  Philip  Mulligan),  62. — Detraction, 
cursing,  and  swearing  reprobated. 

„     15.  Siddan  (Rev.  Henry  Connell),  35. 

„  16.  Castletown-Kilpatrick  (Rev.  Pat.  M'Dermott,  P.P., 
Rev.  Pat.  Halligan,  O.P.,  Administrator),  27 
confirmed. 

„     17.  Kilberry(Rev.JohnFay),66. — Drunkenness;  thieving 

z 


338  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

and  neglect  of  Paschal  duty  on  the  part  of  a 
few  condemned. 

June  18.  "VValterstown  (Rev.  James  Callaghan),  37.— Neglect 
of  Sacraments  inveighed  against  from  the  Gospel 
of  preceding  Sunday. 

„     19.  Ardmulchan  (Rev.  Thomas  Walsh),  46. 

„     20.  Duleek  (Rev.  John  Kearney),  39. 

„     21.  Rosnaree  (Rev.  Walter  Johnson),  25. 

„  22.  Monknewtown  (Rev.  Laurence  Chevers),  46 Clan- 
destine marriages  reprobated  ;  guilt  of  neglecting 
the  Paschal  duty. 

„  20.  Drogheda  (Rev.  William  Harford,  P.P.  and  V.F.),  77 
— The  false  pretexts  alleged  by  worldly  and  by 
profligate  Christians  to  excuse  their  neglect  of  the 
Paschal  duty. 

„  24.  Stamullin  (Rev.  Pat.  Ennis,  at  the  new  chapel  of 
Kinogue),  48. — Compliments  on  the  erection  of 
the  new  chapel ;  St.  John  a  pattern  of  self-denial, 
humility,  and  fortitude. 

„  „  This  day,  the  anniversary  of  my  first  visitation,  in 
1780,  I  experienced  a  violent  attack  of  illness, 
which  determined  me  to  relax  from  my  usual 
exertions. 

„  25.  Donymore  (Rev.  Thomas  Kennedy),  22. — The  guilt 
of  not  hearing  Mass  on  Sundays  and  holidays. 

,,  26.  This  day  I  went  to  Maynooth,  to  assist  at  a  general 
meeting  of  the  College  Trustees,  composed  of 
the  Most  Rev.  Drs.  O'Reilly,  Troy,  Bray, 
and  Dillon  ;  of  the  Right  Rev.  Drs.  Plunket, 
Moylan,  Cruise,  Delany,  French,  Coppinger,  and 
Ryan;  and  of  Sir  Edward  Bellew  and  Mr.  Strange. 
We  signed  the  memorial  for  the  parliamentary 
grant;  were  present  at  the  distribution  of  pre- 
miums in  the  Ecclesiastical  Seminary,  and  in  the 
Lay  College  ;  and  we  wrote  a  letter  of  thanks  to 
Lord  Grenville,  for  his  generous  defence  of  the 
R.  C.  petition,  in  which  letter  we  disclaimed  the 
doctrines  unjustly  imputed  to  us. 

„  29.  Dunboyne  (Rev.  James  Connell),  13.— Paschal  duty; 
drunkenness  ;  festival  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  con- 
sidered. 

„      „    I  slept  at  Mr.  Eeffe's,  the  Grove. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLT7NKET.  33.1 

June  30.  Rat  oath  (Rev.  Pat.  Langati),  43. — Character  of  St. 
Paul  considered  ;  practical  inference  drawn  from 
the  Gospel  of  the  Sunday. 

„       „    This  evening  I  came  to  Lagore,  where  I  passed  the 

next  day. 
July    2.  Curraha  (Rev.  Pat.  Keonan),  27. 

„  3.  Clonalvy  (Rev.  John  Leonard),  88. — Guilt  of  profane 
swearing  ;  acts  of  injustice  against  the  neighbour 
shameful  and  detestable  ;  some  grown-up  girls 
unaccountably  ignorant  of  the  chief  mysteries  of 
religion. 

„  4.  Conference  of  Ardcath,  at  the  house  of  Rev.  Mr. 
Leonard,  P.P. — Subject :  Sacramentum  Penitentia, 
made  by  Rev.  Mr.  Callaghan. 

„       5.  Rathfeigh  (Rev.  Christopher  Halligan),  43. 

,,       7.  Dunshaughlin  (Rev.  Thomas  Fagau),  77. 

„       9.  Dunsany  (Rev.  James  Fleming),  33. 

'„  11.  Kilcloon  (Rev.  James  Ferrall),  110. — The  neglect  of 
the  Paschal  duty  inexcusable,  inconsistent  with 
every  idea  of  Divine  mercy  and  charity,  of  the 
dearest  interest  of  the  Christian,  and  contrary  to 
primitive  practice,  and  to  the  piety  of  modern  times. 

,,,     12.  Minalvy  (Rev.  Richard  Meighan),  49. 

„  13.  Summerhill  (Rev.  John  Cregan,  P.P.,  Rev.  Pat.  Lynn, 
Administrator),  40. — Drinking  on  Sundays,  in 
the  afternoon,  destructive  of  families.  I  went  in 
the  evening  to  Breemount. 

„     14.  Trim  (Rev.  John  Clarke),  76. 

.„  15.  Conference  at  Rathmolian,  made  by  Rev.  Mr.  Molloy, 
on  "  human  law." — The  sermon  preached  by  Rev. 
Mr.  Rickard,  on  the  "  last  judgment." 

„  16.  Rathmullian  (Rev.  Laurence  Grehan),  72. — Paschal 
duty ;  dangerous  amusements  on  Sundays  and 
holidays  to  be  avoided  by  the  youth  of  both  sexes. 
This  evening  I  came  to  Breemount,  and  passed  the 
next  day  there  with  my  relations,  Mr.  James  Murphy. 

„     18.  Ballivre  (Rev.  Laurence  Shaw,  O.P.),  71. 

.,,  19.  Kildalkey  (Rev.  John  Rickard),  40. — The  repairing  of 
the  chapel  a  sacred  duty;  stealing;  profane  swear- 
ing ;  rioting  at  fairs ;  neglect  of  Easter  Com- 
munion inexcusable. 

„     20.  Moimet  (Rev.  Mr.  Molloy,  O.M.),  69. 


340  THE  BISHOPS   OF  HEATH — DK.   PLUNKET. 

July  22.  Moynalty  (Rev.  Peter  M'Mahon),  79. — Paschal  duty ; 
rioting  at  patrons,  followed  by  murder ;  rioting  at 
funerals,  followed  by  acts  of  violence. 

„  23.  I  dined  at  Mullagh,  in  the  County  Cavan,  at  the  house 
of  Rev.  Felix  M'Cabe,  with  the  Right  Rev.  Dr. 
Dillon,  of  Kilmore. 

„  24.  I  passed  this  day  at  Stonefield,  with  my  relation 
Biyan  Brady. 

„     25.  Oldcastle  (Rev.  Bryan  Reilly,  P.P.),  108  confirmed. 

„     26.  Killiegh  (Rev.  Peter  Brady),  72  confirmed. 

„     27.  I  passed  this  day  at  Stonefield  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brady. 

„  28.  Kilskeer,  at  Ballinlough  (Rev.  Michael  Flood),  103 
confirmed. 

„  29.  I  dined  at  Milltown,  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kearney,  and 
came  to  Kells  in  the  evening. 

„  30.  Conference  at  Kells,  made  by  Rev.  Mr.  Drake,  on  the 
"  impediments  of  matrimony."  The  sermon.  "  on 
mortal  sin,"  by  Rev.  Mr.  Sheridan. 

Aug.  4.  This  day  Rev.  John  Murray,  P.P.  of  Castlepollard, 
departed  this  life,  after  a  long  sickness,  at  two  in 
the  afternoon;  on  the  same  day  I  appointed 
successor  to  him  Rev.  John  Ferral. 

„  10.  This  day  I  came  to  Kells,  met  at  Rev.  Peter  O'Reilly's, 
the  P.P.  of  Kells,  the  R.  Rev.  Dr.  Derry,  Bishop 
of  Dromore,  and  dined  with  them. 

„  11.  Clonmallon  (Rev.  John  Murray,  P.P.),  108  confirmed. 
— Compliments  to  the  flock  on  the  decrease  of 
scandal ;  thieving  and  stealing ;  neglect  of  Paschal 
duty  on  the  part  of  a  few  animadverted  upon ; 
exhortation  to  repentance,  from  the  example  of  the 
humble  publican  of  the  Gospel.  The  Right  Rev. 
Dr.  Derry  dined  with  the  pastor. 

„     12.  Castletown-Delvin  (Rev.  James  Moran),  99  confirmed. 

„  13.  I  passed  this  day  at  Rev.  Mr.  Moran's,  in  the  company 
of  the  R.  Rev.  Dr.  Derry,  Bishop  of  Dromore. 

„     14.  Collinstown  (Rev.  James  Flood),  81. 

„  15.  Castlepollard  (Rev.  John  Ferrall),  113.— The  Blessed 
Virgin  honoured  by  us  when  we  join  the  Church 
in  her  devotion  towards  her,  when  we  recur  to  her 
intercession,  when  we  imitate  her  virtues ;  the 
Gospel  of  the  day  holds  her  up,  in  the  persons  of 
Martha  and  Mary,  as  a  perfect  pattern  of  the  active 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUXKET.  341 

and  contemplative  life.     This  evening  I  came  to 
Gillerstown,  where  I  passed  the  next  day. 
Aug.  17.  Turbotstown  (Rev.  James  Murray),  46. 
„     19.  Taghmon  (Rev.  Mr.  Stafford),  84. 
„     20.  Multifarnam  (Rev.  Thomas  Moran,  O.M.),  27. 
„     21.  Sonna  (Rev.  John  Byrne),  64. 
„     22.  High  Mass  and  Office  at  Mullingar,  for  the  Rev.  John 

Murray,  of  Castlepollard. 

„     23  and  24.  I  examined  the  candidates  for  confirmation. 
„     25.  Mullingar  (P.  J.  Plunket,  Bishop  and  P.P.),  249. 
„     26.  This  day  I  came  to  Mr.  Banon's,  Mearescourt,  where  I 
took  a  bed  until  the  Friday  following.     The  Right 
Rev.  Dr.  Deny  and  Rev.  Peter  O'Reilly  accom- 
panied me  from  the  25th  to  the  30th  instant. 
„     27.  Milltown  (Rev.  John  Wyer),  35. 
„     29.  Moyvour  (Rev.  James  Woods),  46. — Mary  and  Eleanor 
Morris  made  a  private  vow  of  perpetual  chastity. 
„     30.  Churchtown    (Rev.    Owen    Coffee),    51. — Invectives 
against  those  who  quit  the  chapel  before  the  end  of 
Mass.     This  morning  I  appointed  Messrs.  Rickard 
and  Sheridan  to  two  vacant  places  at  the  College 
of  Maynooth. 

„     31.  I  passed  this  day  at  Redmonstown. 
Sept.    1.  Ballimore  (Rev.  Daniel  Mulledy,  P.P.  and  Vic.-Gen.), 

—160. 

„       3.  Kilkenny,  West  (Rev.  Michael  M'Cormick),  37. 
„       „    In  the  evening  I  went  with  Mr.  Higgins  to  Benown, 

where  I  passed  the  following  day. 

„       6.  Kill  and  Killmonaghan  (Rev.  Pat.  M'Namee),  90. 
„       8.  Clara  (Rev.  Thomas  Walsh,  P.P.),  128.— On  devotion 

to  the  Blessed  Virgin. 
„     10.  Rathen  (Rev.  John  O'Hara),  69. 
„     11.  I  came  to  Frankford  to  assist  at  the  Conference  of  the 
district,  and   took   up  my    quarters  at  the  new 
parochial  house,  built  by  Rev.  Mr.  Kearney. 
„     12.  Eglish  (Rev.  John  Egan,  O.M.),  124. 
„     13.  I  passed  the  day  at  Thomastown. 
„     15.  Frankford  (Rev.  Michael  Kearney,   Vic. -For.),  Ill 
confirmed. — A  sore  throat,  of  which  I  began  to 
complain  on  the  18th  of  last  July,  was  the  occasion 
of  my  long  delay  in  this  parish. 
„      „     On  the  18th  of  this  month  I  appointed  Rev.  Eugene 


34:*  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DK.  PLUNKKT. 

O'Eeilly  P.P.  of  Dunsany,  &c.,  in  the  room  of 
Rev.  James  Fleming,  who  died  on  the  16th,  in 
consequence  of  a  fall  from  his  horse. 

Sept.  22.  Tullamore  (Rev.  James  Murray),  173. — Compliments 
on  the  improvements  made  in  the  new  chapel,  and 
on  the  parochial  house  begun ;  parents  reproached 
for  neglecting  the  Christian  education  of  children ; 
Sunday  profaned  by  dangerous  amusements. 
„  25.  Kilbeggan  (Rev.  Thomas  Dunn),  112. — Pilfering  and 
thieving  prove  that  Catholics  guilty  of  such  sins 
either  know  not  the  dispositions  requisite  for  the 
Sacraments  of  Penance  and  the  Eucharist,  or  take 
no  pains  to  have  them  when  they  approach  these 
Sacraments,  and  thus  bring  disgrace  on  the  Ca- 
tholic Church,  and  indispose  against  her  doctrine 
persons  of  different  persuasion,  inducing  them  to- 
think  unfavourably  of  confession  and  Communion. 
„  27.  Castletown-Geoghegan,  at  Jamestown  Chapel  (Rev, 

John  Duffy),  126. 

„     29.  Fertullagh  (Rev.  Bryan  Coffy,  O.P.),  120. 
Oct.     1.  Kinnegad  (Rev.  Garrett  O'Reilly),  226. 
„       3.  Killucan  (Rev.  John  Swords),  87. 
„       6.  Athboy  (Rev.  John  Martin),  61. 
„       8.  Ardbraccan  (Rev.  Michael  Branagan),  136. — Reflec- 
tions on  the  heinous  guilt  of  robbery,  alluding  to 
the  robbery   lately   committed   in   the  house  of 
Allenstown;    Sundays    profaned    by    dangerous 
amusements,  such  as  dancing,  &c. 

„  „  On  the  7th  of  this  month  died  Rev.  Dan.  Mulledyr 
V.G.  of  Meath,  and  P.P.  of  Drimrany,  Noghul, 
Ballimore,  and  Killare.  On  his  death  I  dissolved 
the  Union  of  Drimrany  and  Ballimore.  His 
disorder  was  an  inflammation  of  the  lungs. 
„  13.  Slane  (Rev.  Michael  Hanlon),  129. — The  Sacraments 
received  with  good  dispositions  are  all-powerful 
in  recovering  and  preserving  the  friendship  of 
God  ;  the  life  of  grace  is  neither  obtained  nor  pre- 
served by  the  Sacraments  received  without  good 
dispositions,  and  then  they  become  not  food,  but 
poison  to  the  soul. 

„      „     Here  ended  my  six-and-twentieth  visitation  of  the 
diocese  of  Meath. 


THE   BISHOPS   OF   ME  ATM — DR.    PLUNKET.  343 

Oct.  13.  At  the  conclusion  of  public  duty  this  day  my  head 
was  singularly  affected.  I  lost  all  recollection 
of  what  I  had  said  and  what  I  had  done,  but 
felt  no  pain  nor  even  usual  fatigue.  I  was  in- 
formed that  during  the  exhortation,  which  lasted 
aii  hour  and  a  quarter,  I  spoke  as  I  was  accus- 
tomed to  speak  ;  but,  in  examining  the  children 
for  confirmation,  I  was  informed  that  I  put  the 
same  question  repeatedly  to  the  same  person.  My 
mind  was  astray  or  absent  from  itself,  in  conse- 
quence of  being  too  much  on  the  stretch,  or  wound 
up  to  too  high  a  pitch  of  exertion  for  a  man  in  his 
sixty-seventh  year.  I  hence  infer  the  necessity  of 
diminishing  my  humble  exertions  as  I  advance  in 
years.  This  last  visitation  was  the  most  laborious 
I  remember.  Laus  Deo,  Pax  vivis,  Requies  defunctis. 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 
1803-4-5. 

LETTER  OF  DR.  PLUNKET  TO  THE  VICAR-GENERAL  OF  MEATH. 
— LETTER  FROM  DR.  DUNNE,  PRESIDENT  OF  MAYNOOTH 
COLLEGE. — LETTER  FROM  REV.  J.  CONNOLLY,  THE  ROMAN 

AGENT. — LETTER  OF  DR.   PLUNKET   TO  LORD  LUDLOW. 

LETTER  FROM  FATHER  CONNOLLY. 

ON  the  9th  of  January,  1803,  Dr.  Plunket  wrote  the  fol- 
lowing letter  to  the  Vicar-General  of  Meath.  The  cause 
of  it  was  in  consequence  of  a  combination  entered  into  by 
some  of  the  students  of  the  College  of  Maynooth  against  a 
few  of  the  superiors  and  professors  : — 

"  Having  been  informed  that  the  lawful  authority  of  the 
president  and  immediate  superiors  in  our  College  at  Maynooth 
has  lately  been,  and  still  continues  to  be,  scandalously  violated, 
by  unjustifiable  disobedience  and  resistance  on  the  part  of  the 
students,  I  request  you  will,  in  quality  of  Vicar-General  of 


344  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Meath,  signify,  in  my  name,  to  the  gentlemen  of  this  diocese, 
not  only  to  withdraw  from  an  association  inconsistent  with  the 
principles  of  religion  and  good  government,  but  also  to  repair 
the  scandal  their  participation  in  such  unwarrantable  proceed- 
ings has  given  by  asking  pardon  for  their  transgression.  Should 
they,  contrary  to  my  expectation,  refuse  to  comply  with  this 
solemn  injunction,  let  them  know  that  I  am  determined  to  re- 
move them  from  the  college,  and  appoint,  in  their  room,  persons 
better  qualified,  by  example  and  word,  to  preach  to  the  R. 
Catholics  of  this  diocese  the  love  of  order  and  peace,  and  the 
reverence  for  lawful  authority  wrhich  the  Gospel  breathes. 

"  If  grievances  exist,  they  ought  to  be  convinced  that,  in  the 
meantime,  dutiful  submission  to  their  superiors  and  respect  for 
the  statutes  of  the  college  must  evidently  tend  to  procure  that 
just  redress  which  never  will  be  refused  or  delayed  by  the 
Trustees." 

Dr.  Dunne  to  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  PlunJcet. 

11  College,  Maynooth,  9th  of  June,  1803. 

"  MY  DEAR  AND  RESPECTED  LORD, 

"  The  bearer,  Rev.  Mr.  Molloy,  who  hopes  to  have  the 
honour  and  happiness  of  receiving  to-morrow  your  Lordship's 
blessing  and  commands,  was  ordained  priest  on  Saturday  last. 
His  proficiency  in  study  has  not  raised  him  above  mediocrity;  but 
I  hope,  however,  he  will  not  prove  an  useless  missioner,  as  my 
informations  report  him  an  humble  and  religious  priest.  During 
a  long  residence  here  his  conduct  has  been  irreproachable, 
indeed  exemplary.  The  single  exception  that  might  be  opposed 
to  this  account  had,  in  his  case,  more  of  infirmity  in  it  than 
malice.  From  character  he  is  disposed  rather  to  follow  than  to 
lead  ;  and  in  the  wretched  business*  of  folly  and  delirium  to 
which  that  exception  applies,  there  were  many  engaged  to  whom 
he  was  accustomed  to  look  up  as  models  fit  to  be  followed  in 
everything. 

"Mr.  Donoghoe  has  not  yet  completed  his  first  year's 
divinity.  I  thought  it  probable  you  were  not  acquainted  with 
this  circumstance,  as  you  did  not,  perhaps,  know  that  he  had 


The  President  alludes  to  the  !ate  disturbance  in  the  College. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  345 

made  a  year's  physics.  Under  this  notion  I  did  not  call  him 
to  orders,  as  I  thought  nothing  less  than  extreme  necessity 
would  warrant  his  entering  on  the  ministry,  with  such  slender 
means  of  exercising  its  functions  as  he  could  glean  from  an 
application  to  theological  acquirements  for  the  short  period  of 
seven  or  eight  months,  of  which,  through  the  disturbances  in 
the  college,  a  considerable  portion  was  lost  to  study,  as  well  as 
to  discipline.  Indeed,  my  Lord,  the  pressing  wants  of  the  mis- 
sion, evinced  in  the  numerous  demands  from  every  part  of  the 
country  of  half-educated  priests,  call  for  the  most  serious  con- 
sideration of  the  Trustees. ;  There  will  be  a  board  held  here  on 
the  27th  of  next  month,  when  some  arrangements  may  be 
framed  to  obviate  an  evil  which  threatens  the  very  existence  of 
religion.  I  hope  your  visitation  will  be  managed  so  as  to 
enable  you  to  give,  for  three  or  four  days,  your  advice  and  in- 
fluence on  a  subject  of  discussion  so  interesting  to  religion,  and 
which  on  that  account  has  such  imperious  demands  on  your 
Lordship's  great  experience. 

"  I  am  very  sensible,  my  Lord,  of  your  kind  partiality  for  me 
in  the  very  honourable  appointment  communicated  ill  your 
last.  I  know  your  just  sense  of  propriety  has  principally 
led  you  to  strengthen  the  very  weak  hands  in  which  you  have 
had  so  great  a  share  of  placing  the  critical  management  of  this 
important  institution.  But  when  I  recollect  the  friendly  atten- 
tions with  which  you  have  been  so  long  pleased  to  distinguish 
and  honour  me,  I  did  not  want  this  new  proof  of  your  goodness 
to  entitle  you  to  the  most  perfect  gratitude  and  attachment  with 
which  I  am, 

"  My  dear  and  respected  Lord, 
"  Your  Lordship's  most  obliged,  most  humble,  and 
most  obedient  servant, 

"  ANDREW  DUNN." 
The  Rev.  J.  Connolly,  St.  Clement's,  Rome,  to  Dr.  Plunket. 

"  Eome,  St.  Clement's,  October  6th,  1804. 

"  RIGHT  EEVEREND  AND  DEAR  SIR, 

"  Nothing  could  afford  me  more  sincere  satisfaction  than 
to  have  been  honoured  with  your  Lordship's  most  kind  favour  of 
June  19th,  as  I  had  long  regretted  thatyour  incessant  occupations 


346  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.   PLUNKET. 

in  the  discharge  of  your  episcopal  and  parochial  duties  had 
for  some  years  deprived  me  of  the  pleasure  of  a  few  lines  from 
you,  although  the  Archbishop  of  Tuam  was  so  good  as  to  some- 
times mention  your  Lordship  in  his  letters  to  me.  I  am  truly 
sorry,  my  Lord,  that  your  health  begins  to  decline ;  but  when 
I  consider  your  indefatigable  zeal  and  fatigues  in  fulfilling  the 
duties  annexed  to  the  high  station  to  which  the  Almighty  has 
called  you,  I  am  surprised  that  your  health  has  not  been  long 
ago  quite  ruined  thereby.  Nevertheless,  I  hope  that  God  will 
grant  you  health  and  happiness  for  many  years.  Having  men- 
tioned in  one  of  the  memorials  I  lately  presented  in  your  name  to 
the  Pope,  thro'  Monseigneur  Coppola,  that  in  twenty-six  years  of 
episcopacy  you  had  visited  your  extensive  diocese  twenty-six 
times,  his  Holiness  expressed  great  pleasure  and  admiration  at 
so  very  uncommon  an  instance  of  episcopal  zeal  and  diligence. 
When  favoured  with  your  Lordship's  aforesaid  letter  I  was  ill 
of  an  obstinate  ague,  which  began  about  the  middle  of  July, 
and  weakened  me  to  such  a  degree,  that  I  was  not  able  to 
transact  any  business  out  of  the  convent,  till  near  the  end  of 
August,  when  I  presented  the  petitions  for  the  grants  desired 
by  your  Lordship 

"  I  assure  your  Lordship  that  I  have  not  of  late  years  found 
any  good  opportunity  to  send  things  to  Ireland,  otherwise  I 
would  have  sent  you  the  articles  mentioned  in  my  former  letter. 
I  hope  to  send  them  to  you  by  Lord  or  Lady  Mount-Cash  ell, 
who  are  here  since  last  year,  but  know  not  yet  when  they  are 
to  return  to  Ireland.  I  am  not  acquainted  with  Captain 
Plunkett,  son  to  Lord  Dunsany,  who,  after  spending  some 
months  here,  set  out  for  Ireland  last  spring,  otherwise  I  would 
have  prayed  him  to  take  a  few  things  to  your  Lordship.  His 
lady  is  still  here,  with  Lord  Cloncurry,  her  brother.  His 
Holiness  is  also  still  at  Rome.  I  shall  not  forget  the  prints 
mentioned  in  your  aforesaid  letter.  No  new  good  Latin  pub- 
lication, nor  improved  edition  of  any  former  valuable  work, 
has  appeared  here  of  late  years.  .  .  . 

"  I  beg  your  Lordship  will  kindly  remember  me  to  Eev. 
Messrs.  Hanlon,  Coffy,  and  M'Keon.  .  .  . 

"  I  am,  with  sincere  esteem  and  veneration, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  and  obliged 
humble  servant, 

"  FR.  J.  CONNOLLY." 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  347 


Dr.  Plunket  to  Lord  Ludlow. 

The  following  letter  was  written  by  Dr.  Plunket,  and 
directed  to  Lord  Ludlow,  on  the  4th  of  August,  1805 : — 

"  MY  LORD, 

"  On  my  return  to  Navan  this  week  from  an  excursion  of 
two  months  through  the  diocese  of  Meath,  I  had  the  heartfelt 
satisfaction  of  receiving  from  Mr.  M'Guire  authentic  information 
of  your  Lordship's  gracious  assent  to  the  prayer  of  the  memorial 
and  letter  I  did  myself  the  honour  to  address  to  your  Lordship. 
Accept,  my  Lord,  the  grateful  thanks  of  the  R.  Catholics  of  this 
town  and  neighbourhood  ;  accept  the  homage  of  my  warmest 
acknowledgment  for  the  benevolence  and  liberality  with  which 
your  Lordship  has  condescended  to  change  into  a  perpetuity  the 
determinate  lease,  by  which  we  held  our  chapel,  and  the 
ground  about  it,  with  my  humble  contiguous  dwelling.  Our 
obligations  to  your  noble  predecessors  were  great  indeed ; 
greater  still  are  those  we  owe  to  your  Lordship.  The  accom- 
modation we  derived  under  the  auspices  and  good  will  of 
the  late  noble  Earl,  altho'  to  us  important  in  a  high  degree, 
was  limited  and  temporary.  This  your  Lordship  has  stamped 
with  inestimable  value  by  the  munificent  act  which  secures  the 
enjoyment  of  it,  and  encourages  us  to  improve  its  advantages 
by  rendering  it  more  and  more  worthy  of  its  sacred  destination. 
The  account  of  this  recent  instance  of  the  philanthropy  of  the 
illustrious  house  of  Ludlow  was  received  here  with  enthusiasm, 
and  will  be  followed  by  unceasing  fervent  wishes  for  the 
prosperity  of  every  member  of  which  it  is  composed. 

"  You  have  raised  in  the  midst  of  us,  my  Lord,  a  monument, 
in  which  your  name  will  live  until  time  shall  be  no  more,  em- 
balmed in  the  love  and  grateful  remembrance  of  thousands  yet 
unborn. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  With  most  grateful  respect,  my  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  obliged,  devoted,  and 
humble  servant, 

"  >fc  P.  J.  PLUNKET." 


348  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

The  Rev.  J.  Connolly  to  Dr.  Plunket. 

"Rome,  St.  Clement's,  July  6th,  1805. 

"  EIGHT  EEV.  AND  DEAR  SIR, 

"  I  received  the  foregoing  dispensation  at  Propaganda 
only  two  hours  ago.  I  should  send  your  Lordship  but  a  copy 
of  it,  were  it  not  that  I  really  have  not  at  this  moment  time 
enough  to  copy  it,  whereas  the  post  of  Venice,  by  which  I  for- 
ward it  to  your  Lordship,  and  which  leaves  this  but  once  a 
week,  sets  off  this  evening.  The  mistake  which  occasioned  the 
necessity  of  applying  again  for  this  dispensation,  was  taken  no 
more  notice  of  than  to  induce  the  Secretary  of  Propaganda  to 
examine  if  the  contents  of  the  note,  which  I  presented  along 
with  the  above  memorial,  were  conformable  to  the  copy  that 
remained  in  the  Archives  of  his  office,  of  the  petition  which  I 
presented  on  this  subject  last  September.  The  following  is  a 
true  copy  of  the  grant  of  the  other  petition  I  presented  in  your 
Lordship's  name : — '  Ex  audientia  SSmi  Dni.  Nostri  Domini 
Pii  Divina  Provida.  P.P.  VII.  habita  per  me  infrum  S.  Congnis. 
de  Propaganda  Fide  Secretarium,  die  30  Junii,  1805 — Sanctitas 
sua  justis,  ac  rationabilibus  causis  adducta  benigne  indulsit,  ut 
a  singulise  Clero  tarn  Soeculari,  quam  RegulariDioecesis  Midensis 
in  Hibernia  quotidie  recitari  possit  privatim  Matutinum  cum 
Laudibus  diei  sequentis  statim  elapsis  duabus  horis  post  Meri- 
diem ;  quibuscumque  in  contrarium  non  obstantibus :  Datum 
Romse  ex  CEdibus  dse.  S.  Congnis.  die,  et  anno,  quibus  supra — 
Gratis  sine  ulla  omnino  solutione  quocumque  titulo — Dominicus 
Archiepus.  Myrensis  Secretarius.'  They  are  still  searching  the 
Archives  of  Propaganda,  to  see  if  any  mention  can  be  found 
there  of  the  rescript  said  to  have  been  obtained  by  Bishop 
Cheevers  in  favour  of  the  custom  that  prevails  in  your  Lordship's 
diocese,  with  regard  to  the  time  of  complying  with  the  precept  of 
the  Paschal  Communion.  I  suppose  that  this  affair  is  to  be  deter- 
mined in  a  Congregation  of  Propaganda.  I  shall  have  in  due 
time  the  pleasure  to  inform  your  Lordship  of  the  decision.  I 
am  exceedingly  glad  that  your  Lordship  is  happily  free  from 
the  indisposition  you  complained  of  last  summer ;  and  I  am 
much  obliged  to  your  Lordship  for  mentioning  my  friends, 
Rev.  Messrs.  Hanlon,  Coffy,  and  M'Keon.  I  request  you  will 
please  to  assure  them,  when  occasion  offers,  of  my  kind  respects; 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLT7NKET.  34D 

as  also  the  Rev.  Mr.  MaeNamee,  one  of  your  parish  priests, 
with  whom  I  have  been  for  many  years  at  the  same  school,  at 
Monknewtown.  He  was  always  a  sensible  boy,  and  of  excel- 
lent conduct.  My  paper  being  out,  I  must  conclude,  assuring 
your  Lordship  that 

"  I  always  am, 
"  With  best  wishes  and  veneration, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

"  FR.  J.  CONNOLLY." 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

VISITATION     OF     1806. — CURIOUS    LETTER     OF    THE     PRO- 
TESTANT   BISHOP   OF   MEATH   TO   DR.    PLUNKET. —REPLY 

OF   DR.   PLUNKET. — LETTER   FROM  THE  ROMAN  AGENT. 

LETTER  OF  DR.  PLUNKET  TO   REV.   MR.   KEARNEY,  P.P.  OF 
FRANKFORD. 

Visitation  of  1806. 

Jan.  24.  I  answered  the  letter  of  Rev.  James  Murray,  who 
wrote  to  me,  to  inform  me  of  his  situation  at  Whit- 
worth,  Lancashire,  whither  he  went  to  be  cured  of 
the  cancer. 

Mar.  29.  This  morning,  after  saying  Mass,  and  hearing  con- 
fessions about  half  an  hour,  being  returned  to 
my  room,  I  was  seized  with  a  violent  shivering, 
succeeded  by  violent  heat  and  fever,  which  con- 
tinued until  Good  Friday  morning.  During  this 
time  I  was  confined  to  my  bed,  and  for  a  few  days 
more.  Bleeding  and  purging,  the  first  day,  by  the 
prescription  of  Dr.  Gibney,  approved  by  Dr. 
Sheridan  and  Dr.  Nicholl,  diminished  the  violence 
of  the  disorder,  which,  with  the  spitting  of  blood 
that  accompanied  it,  at  length,  under  heaven, 
yielded  to  the  skill  and  care  of  these  physicians. 
I  was,  after  my  recovery,  informed  that  I  had  been 
in  danger.  My  strength  was  not  restored  until 
after  a  few  weeks.  Part  of  the  time  of  my  con- 
valescence I  spent  at  Kells,  with  my  constant 


350  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH— DR.   PLUNKET. 

friend,  Rev.  Peter  O'Reilly,  who  scarcely  quitted 

me  while  the  sickness  was  violent 

My  two  assistants — Rev.  Messrs.  Banon  and 
James  Reilly — were  tenderly  attentive  to  me,  as 
well  as  Rev.  Eugene  O'Reilly,  as  far  as  his  situa- 
tion allowed.  I  resumed  my  Office  at  first  vespers 
for  Easter  Sunday,  and  heard  Mass  that  day  in  my 
bed.  Blessed  evermore  be  the  mercy  of  my  God, 
who  was  graciously  pleased  to  allow  me  more  time 
to  prepare  for  eternity.  The  oils  and  chrism 
were  sent  to  my  most  honoured  friend,  the  Primate, 
who  consecrated  them  early  on  Thursday,  by 
which  means  they  arrived  time  enough  to  be  given 
to  the  Rev.  Vicars,  who  dined  as  usual  that  day  at 
Chapel  Lodge. 

May  1 1 .  This  day  I  resumed  my  public  functions  in  the  chapel 
• — interrupted  by  my  late  illness,  and  I  said  first 
Mass. 
„     25.  Twenty-seventh  visitation  of  the  diocese  of  Meath 

begun  at — 

Navan,  122  confirmed. — Sermon.  Those  who  are 
deemed  most  affluent  in  the  flock  reproached  for 
neglect  of  the  Sacraments ;  parents  and  masters 
for  bad  example  given  to  children  and  servants. 

June  22.  Dunshaughlin  (Rev.  Thomas  Fagan),  37. — Neglect  of 
the  Paschal  duty  animadverted  upon,  as  also  sloth 
and  tepidity  with  respect  to  the  Sacraments. 
„     24.  Kilcloon  (Rev.  James  Murray),  33. — I  spoke  of  the 
humility  of  St.  John,  and  of  his  courage  and  for- 
titude, and  the  guilt  of  pilfering  and  stealing,  and 
of  the  sin  of  those  who  come  late  to  Mass. 
„     25.  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  the  R.  C.  College,  held  at 
Maynooth,  at  which  I  assisted  with  the  Most  Rev. 
Drs.    O'Reilly,  Troy,  Bray,  and  the  Right  Rev. 
Drs.  Moylan,  Cruise,  and  Coppinger. 
„     28.  This  evening  I  came  to  Dunboyne. 
„     29.  Dunboyne  (Rev.  James  Connell),  19. — St.  Peter — his 
primacy — his  chair — the  See  of  Rome  indefectible 
while  the  other  Apostolic  Sees  failed ;  some  of  the 
flock  reproached  for  neglect  of  the  Paschal  duty. 
„     30.  Donnymore  (Rev.  Thomas  Kennedy),  20. 

July    1.  Curraha  (Rev.  Pat.  Keonan),  17. — A  few  of  the  flock 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  351 

reproached  for  continued  neglect  of  the  Paschal 
duty. 
July    2.  Ratoath  (Rev.  Pat.  Langan),  40. 

„  3.  Conference  at  Dunshaughlin,  made  by  Rev.  John 
Reilly,  P.P.  of  Dunsany.  The  sermon,  "  on  the 
slavery  of  sin,  and  the  means  of  rising  from  it,'"' 
by  Rev.  Patrick  O'Leary. 

,,       5.  Rafeigh  (Rev.  Christopher  Halligan),  29. 

„  6.  Killeen  (Rev.  John  Reilly,  P.P.),  47.— Instructions 
drawn  from  the  festival  of  St.  Peter. 

„  7.  I  went  with  Lord  Fingall  to  dine  at  Warrenstown, 
where  I  passed  the  night. 

„       8.  Galtrim  (Rev.  Richard  Meighan),  32. 

„  9.  Summerhill  (Rev.  Pat.  Lynn,  Administrator),  102. — 
The  Lord's  Day  profaned  by  drinking  and  dan- 
gerous amusement,  and  unnecessary  servile 
labour. 

„  10.  Conference  of  the  district  made  at  Rev.  Laurence 
Grehan's,  on  "  dispensations." — The  sermon,  "  oil 
impenitent  sinners,"  by  Rev.  Mr.  Lynn.  . 

„     11.  Rathcore  (Rev.  Laurence  Grehan),  82. 

,,      „     I  came  in  the  evening  to  Breemount. 

„     13.  Trim  (Rev.  John  Clarke,  V.F.),  114. 

„     14.  I  returned  to  Navan. 

„  27.  Clonmaduff  (Rev.  John  Molloy,  O.M.),  87.— Profana- 
tion of  Sundays  by  drinking  and  servile  labour 
reprobated. 

„     28.  Kildalkey  (Rev.  Mr.  Rickard),  63. 

„     29.  I  assisted  at  the  office  of  Mr.  Dowdall. 

„  30.  BaUivre  and  Killyon  (Rev.  L.  Shaw;  Rev.  T. 
Hitchcock,  Adm.),  96. 

„     31.  I  dined  at  Mr.  Campbell's,  Parkstown. 
Aug.    1.  I  passed  this  day  at  Elmgrove,  with  Mr.   Browne, 
where  I  confirmed,  next  morning,  Miss  Jane  and 
young  Eugene  Browne. 

„       2.  Killucan  (Rev.  Mr.  Swords),  49. 

„  3.  Kinnegad  (Rev.  Garrett  O'Reilly),  198. — Profanation 
of  the  Lord's  Day  by  unnecessary  servile  labour ; 
by  dangerous  amusements;  by  drinking  to  excess. 

„       4.  I  dined  at  Garisker,  with  Mr.  Nangle. 
„       „    Milltown  (Rev.  Bryan  Coffy,  O.P.),  49. — Animadver- 
sions on  the  bad  state  of  the  chapels,  and  on  the 


352  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

scandal  given   in   its  vicinity,   by   drunkenness, 
cursing,    and   swearing,   and   on  the   neglect   of 
Paschal  duty. 
Aug.    6.  I  dined  this  day  at  Cottage,  with  Mr.  Sheil. 

„  7.  Conference  at  Mullingar,  on  the  occurring  cases  of 
conscience. — The  sermon,  "  on  the  state  of  the 
obstinate  sinner,"  by  Rev.  Mr.  Hackett. 

„  8  and  9.  Employed  for  the  most  part  in  examining  the 
candidates  for  confirmation. 

„  10.  Mullingar  (Rev.  Messrs.  Hope,  O.P.,  and  Martin  Hart, 
curates),  258. — Neglect  of  Mass ;  drunkenness  ; 
cursing  and  swearing  ;  omission  of  Paschal  duty ; 
these  were  the  prevailing  abuses  animadverted 
upon. 

„  12.  Dysart  (Rev.  Martin  M'Dermott),  70. — Slander  and 
detraction  reprobated. 

,,     13.  Castletown-Geoghegan  (Rev.  John  Duffy),  108. 

„     14.  Kilbeggan  (Rev.  Thomas  Dunn),  96. 

„  15.  Tullarnore  (Rev.  James  Murray),  180. — The  festival 
considered;  profanation  of  the  Lord's  Day,  by 
drinking  to  excess  in  the  afternoon. 

„  16.  I  spent  this  day  with  Rev.  Mr.  Murray,  and  set  off  in 
the  evening  for  Frankford. 

„  17.  Frankford  (Rev.  Michael  Kearney,  P.P.  and  V.F.), 
141. — Rioting  and  quarrelling  at  fairs  inveighed 
against ;  the  opposition  of  such  scandal  to  the 
great  law  of  charity  explained. 

"„  18.  Conference,  by  Rev.  Mr.  Pidgeon. — The  sermon  by 
Rev.  Mr.  Wyer. 

,,  19.  Eglish,  at  Thomastown  (Rev.  John  Egan,  O.M.),  73. 
— Quarrelling  at  fairs  reprobated  ;  the  new  chapel 
recommended ;  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  in  the 
persons  of  Martha  and  Mary,  held  up  as  a  model 
of  the  active  and  contemplative  life.  I  went  in  the 
evening  to  Mrs.  Bonnet's,  at  Thomastown,  where 
I  passed  the  next  day. 

„     21.  I  returned  to  Frankford,  to  Rev.  Mr.  Kearney's. 

„  24.  I  did  duty  in  the  chapel  of  Frankford,  and  dined  at 
Temora. 

„  27.  Went  with  Rev.  Mr.  Murray  to  Tullamore,  incom- 
moded by  a  severe  rheumatism  in  my  thigh  and 
leg. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  353 

Aug.  29.  Rahin  (Eev.  John  O'Hara),  62.— General  reflections 
on  quarrelling,  drunkenness,  and  dangerous  amuse- 
ments on  the  Lord's  Day. 

„     31.  Clara  (Rev.  Thomas  Walsh),  167. 
Sept.   2.  Kill  and  Kilmonaghan. — None  confirmed,  because  the 
confessions  of  the  children  were  not  heard ;  the 
wretched  state  of  the  chapel  of  Tubber  complained 
of ;  children  neglected  by  their  parents. 

„  3.  Conference  at  Baltimore,  on  the  occurring  cases. — The 
sermon,  on  "  the  difficulty  of  salvation,"  by  Eev. 
James  Fagan. 

„  4.  Ballimore  (Rev.  Owen  Coffy,  V.F.),  159,  of  whom 
about  30  children  were  from  Kill. — Neglect  of  the 
Paschal  duty ;  servile  labour  on  Sundays  repro- 
bated. 

.,       7.  Drumrany  (Rev.  James  Fagan,  P.P.),  67. 

.,       9.  Kilkenny,  West  (Rev.  Michael  M'Cormick),  38. 

,,  10.  I  dined  this  day  at  Benown,  with  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Higgins,  and  after  dinner  came  to  Ballimore. 

„  „  This  day  died  Rev.  John  O'Hara,  P.P.  of  Rahin,  a 
clergyman  of  exemplary  piety  and  zeal. 

,,  11.  This  day,  in  the  morning,  before  visitation  duty,  I 
appointed  Rev.  James  Wyer  P.P.  of  Rahin. 

„      „    Moyvour  (Rev.  James  Woods),  64. 

„  12.  Milltown  (Rev.  John  Wyer),  46. — Christian  educa- 
tion of  children,  comprehending  the  example  and 
instruction  of  parents,  and  early  confession 
neglected. 

,,     13  and  14.  I  passed  at  Mearescourt. 

„     16.  Sonna  (Rev.  John  Byrne),  77. — In  the  evening  I  came 

to  Mullingar,  where  I  remained  until  the  19th. 
" ,,  '  19.  Multifarnam  (Rev.  Thomas  Moran,  O.M),  57. 

.,  21.  Taghmon  (Rev.  Thomas  Stafford),  185. — Parents  re- 
proached for  not  bringing  their  children  to  Mass 
and  confession  when  old  enough  to  perform  these 
duties. 

„     22.  Mayne  (Rev.  James  Murray),  49. 

„     23.  I  passed  this  day  at  Mr.  Joseph  Taylor's,  at  Nonsuch. 

„  24.  Lickblay  (Rev.  John  Ferrall),  108.— The  profligate 
and  the  unthinking  are  generally  those  who  neglect 
the  Paschal  duty. 

„     25.  I  passed  this  day  with  the  pastor. 

A2 


354  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET. 

Sept.  26.  I  passed  this  day  at  Carlanstown,  with  Mr.  Bernard 
Taylor. 

„     28.  Collinstown  (Eev.  James  Flood),  7%. 

„     30.  Castletown-Delvin  (Eev.  James  Moran),  75. 
Oct.     2.  Clonmellon  (Eev.  John  Murry),  76. 

„  3.  Kilskyre  (Eev.  Michael  Flood),  58. — Five  wicked 
married  men  living  badly;  such  public  scandal 
could  not  exist  were  the  flock  more  zealous  for 
the  honour  and  glory  of  God. 

„       5.  Oldcastle  (Eev.  Bernard  Eeilly),  128. 

,,  6.  Killiegh  (Eev.  Peter  Brady),  151. — Discord  and  divi- 
sion amongst  a  few  families  condemned  ;  the  dis- 
cipline of  the  Church  with  regard  to  Freemasonry 
enforced  against  a  few  members  of  that  society ; 
the  guilt  of  those  who  had  not  complied  with  the 
Paschal  duty  exposed. 

„       8.  Loghan  (Eev.  John  Gorman,  P.P.),  115. 

„  9.  Conference  at  Kells,  on  "restitution."  The  sermon, 
"  on  death,"  by  Eev.  Mr.  Sheridan,  curate  of  Kells. 

„  10.  Moynalty  (Eev.  Peter  M'Mahon),  100. — The  spirit  of 
litigation  and  thieving  reprobated. 

„     12.  Kells  (Eev.  Peter  O'Eeilly,  P.P.  and  V.G.),  157. 

„  14.  Kilbeg,  at  the  new  chapel  of  Staholmoc  (Rev.  G. 
M'Dermott),  76. 

„  15.  Castletown-Kilpatrick,  58. — Compliments  on  the  new 
chapel  of  Dowdesdown ;  honourable  mention 
made  of  those  who  contributed  to  it ;  the  gallery 
opposite  the  altar  condemned. 

16.  Conference. 

17.  Nobber  (Eev.  W.  M'Kenna,  Archdeacon),  78. 

19.  Kingscourt  (Eev.  J.  Birmingham),  128. 

20.  Drumcondra  (Eev.  Philip  Mulligan),  97. 

21.  Siddan  (Eev.  Henry  Connell),  27. 

22.  Monknewtown  (Eev.  Laurence  Cheevers),  56. 

23.  Donore  (Eev.  Walter  Johnson),  29. 

25.  The  rheumatism  which  attacked  me  on  the  27th  of 

August,  at  Frankford,  and  continued  nearly  two 
months,  I  began  at  this  time  scarcely  to  feel. 

26.  Drogheda  (Eev.  William  Harford,  V.F.),  67. 

28.  Stamullen  (Eev.  P.  Ennis),  31. 

29.  I  dined  with  the  Primate. 

30.  Conference  of  the  district,  at  Ardcath,  made  by  Eev. 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  355 

Mr.  Roe,  on  restitution ;  sermon  by  the  same,  on 

the  forgiveness  of  injuries. 
Oct.  31.  Ardcath  (Rev.  John  Leonard),  100. 
Nov.     1.  Duleek  (Rev.  John  Kearney),    81. — How  the  saints 

are  to  be  honoured. 

„       2.  Blacklion  (Rev.  Thomas  Walsh),  85. 
„       3.  Rathkenny    (Rev.  Michael  Hanlon),    110. — On   the 

exercise   of  the   noble   charity,  which  has  for  its 

object  the  repose  of  the  faithful  departed. 
„       5.  Kilberry  (Rev.  John  Fay),  49. 
„       6.  Ardbraccan  (Rev.    Michael    Branagan),    127. — This 

morning  Rev.  Richard  Gosson,  curate  of  Killiegh, 

died  of  a  decay. 
„       9.  Athboy   (Rev.    John    Martin),    54. — At    Athboy  I 

experienced    in    some  degree    a  renewal  of  the 

rheumatism. 

„     12.  This  day  I  returned  to  Navan  from  Kells. 
„     16.  Athlumney  (Rev.   James   Callaghan),     26. — Here  I 

finished  my  twenty-seventh  general  visitation  of 

the  diocese  of  Meath,  and  returned  home  not  a 

little  affected  by  rheumatism. 
Dec.     9.  This  day,  at   seven   in  the   evening,    Rev.    James 

"Woods,  P.P.  of  Moyvore  and   Forgney,  departed 

this  life. 

Curious  letter  of  the  Protestant  Bishop  of  Meath. 

The  following  letter  from  Dr.  O'Beirne,*  Protestant 
Bishop  of  Meath,  to  Dr.  Plunket,  will  tend  to  illustrate 
the  Anglican  supremacy  (civil)  in  those  days,  and  the  cool 
assurance,  as  well  as  effrontery,  with  which  Protestant 
dignitaries  addressed  the  Catholic  prelates,  denying  them 
their  titles,  and  treating  them  as  a  class,  socially  and  of 
course  legally,  inferior  and  subordinate.  In  this  case  it 
was  an  outrage,  for  here  was  an  apostate  presuming  to 
lecture  his  old  preceptor,  benefactor,  and  friend. 

"Ardbraccan  House,  January  llth,  1806. 
"Mv  DEAR  SIR, 

"  In  the  32nd  page  of  this  sermon  there  is  an  expression 
or  two  that  you  may  interpret  into  something  unpleasant  to 

*  Diocese  of  Meath,  vol.  ii.,  p.  185. 


356  THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DE.  PLUNKET. 

your  feelings,  but  I  hope  that  with  some  things  in  which  we 
both  may  differ  from  each  other,  we  shall  ever  indulge  mutual 
charity ;  and  I  request  you  to  accept  this  copy  of  my  sermon 
on  the  Thanksgiving  Day  as  a  testimony  of  that  affectionate 
attachment  which,  as  it  began  in  early  life,  no  circumstance  is 
ever  likely  to  affect  or  weaken,  notwithstanding  the  different 
situations  into  which  we  have  been  thrown.  In  one  thing  I 
am  persuaded  we  shall  never  differ,  the  earnest  desire  of  incul- 
cating the  superintending  providence  of  God,  of  promoting 
Christian  morals,  and  encouraging  a  disposition  of  peace  and 
submission  to  the  laws  in  this  distracted  country. 
"  I  am,  my  dear  Sir, 

"  With  every  sincere  attachment  and  respect, 
"  Your  very  faithful,  humble  servant, 
"T.  L.  MEATH/' 


In  two  or  three  days  after  Dr.  Plunket  received  the 
above  letter,  he  answered  in  the  following  manner  : — 

"Navan,  3rd  of  March,  1806. 
"MY  LORD, 

"  Unavoidable  avocations  and  excursions  have  until  this 
morning  prevented  me  from  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  your 
friendly  letter,  and  of  a  copy  of  your  thanksgiving  sermon, 
handed  to  me  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Butler.  This,  coming  from  your 
Lordship  "  as  a  testimony  of  affectionate  attachment,"  highly 
flattering  to  me,  I  accept  with  thanks.  I  have  perused  it. 
"When  I  say  that  I  admire  many  fine  passages,  the  offspring  of 
a  lively,  bright  imagination,  and  of  a  cultivated  mind,  deeply 
impressed  with  a  sense  of  the  awful  dispensations  of  the 
providence  of  God,  your  Lordship,  I  am  sure,  does  not  expect 
I  should  admire  the  whole  32nd  page.  It  is  not  that  any 
expressions  it  contains  affect  me  personally.  No.  To  be 
candid,  my  Lord,  I  assure  you,  I  cannot,  without  smiling,  read 
assertions  that  impute  "superstition"  to  the  religion  of  Bour- 
daloue,  Flechier,  Massillon,  Bossuet,  Fenelon.  But  the 
numerous  body  of  people  with  whom  I  have  the  honour  to  be 
peculiarly  connected,  read  with  other  dispositions.  They  con- 
sider such  expressions  as  unprovoked  abuse.  In  vain  would  I 
attempt  to  reconcile  them  to  it  by  alleging  custom,  almost  con- 
stant custom ;  much  less  could  1  pretend  to  convince  them 


THE  BISHOPS  OF  MEATH — DR.  PLUNKET.  357 

that  unprovoked  abuse  is  calculated  to  heal  the  bleeding  •wounds 
of  our  distracted  country,  to  promote  concord,  to  answer  any 
one  Christian  or  social  purpose.  The  man  who  stands  in  my 
place  is  not  free  to  disregard  the  feelings  of  his  flock.  Hence 
I  am  placed,  with  respect  to  your  Lordship,  in  a  singular  pre- 
dicament— a  predicament  which  casts  a  gloom  upon  and 
thwarts  the  intercourse  I  should  wish  to  maintain.  My  own 
occasional  feelings  I  can  command,  or  even  sacrifice,  if  necessary, 
to  ancient  friendship,  and  to  the  remembrance  of  former 
times.  We  differ  in  some  things  from  each  other ;  but  this